Every device connected to the Internet has a dynamic or static IP address. Their differences each have advantages and disadvantages.
Statistical and dynamic IP address: These are the differences
In the digital world, IP addresses are essential for communication between devices on the Internet. They serve as unique identification numbers that allow computers, smartphones, servers and other networked devices to exchange data. Basically, there are two main types of IP addresses: dynamic and static IP addresses.
- One IP Addressshort for Internet Protocol Address, is a numerical identifier assigned to each device on a network to enable communication.
- There are two main versions of IP addresses: IPv4 consists of four blocks of numbers separated by dots, such as 192.168.0.1. IPv6 is a more modern version consisting of eight groups of hexadecimal numbers separated by colons – for example '2001:0db8:85a3:0000:0000:8a2e:0370:7334.
- Regardless of the version, IP addresses can be either dynamic or static. Which of the two you choose depends largely on your use case.
- Dynamic IP addresses are ideal for most end users because they require less administrative effort and automatically adapt to the needs of the network. For normal Internet users who surf, read emails and use social media, dynamic IP addresses are optimal.
- Static IP addresses On the other hand, they are ideal for companies and advanced users who rely on constant network connections. This includes web hosting, VPN servers, remote workstations and all applications where a device must be permanently accessible at the same address.
Advantages and disadvantages of a dynamic IP address
Dynamic IP addresses are the most commonly used IP addresses. They change constantly and usually do so at fixed or irregular intervals.
- When your router connects to the Internet, it is assigned an IP address that no one else in the world is currently using. The router will receive a new IP address at the latest the next time you dial into the Internet. Most routers are forced to get a new IP every 24 hours. Since the IP address changes regularly, these are dynamic IP addresses.
- Dynamic IP addresses are therefore assigned temporarily. They are typically provided by a DHCP server, short for Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol, which automatically assigns IP addresses to devices within a network.
- Advantages: This increases your security. Since the IP addresses change regularly, potential attackers find it more difficult to identify and attack the devices.
- Dynamic IP addresses also optimize the use of a limited IP address pool. This is particularly useful for Internet service providers, called ISPs, who assign temporary addresses to many customers.
- Disadvantages: However, for services that require a constant connection, such as remote access or web hosting, dynamic IP addresses can be problematic as the address changes and access to the device can be lost.
- A changing IP address can also cause difficulties for users who want to access a device remotely.