When we are dealing with Internet connection, it is likely for us to come across the IP (Internet Protocol) address. With dedicated, broadband connection, users could get a unique IP address that allows them to communicate and connect with their PC. In general, IP address is a series of unique numbers that’s assigned to our computer, so we could get connected to the Internet. We could be connected by checking the LAN settings in our Internet options. This should allow our computer to get identified by the network and connected to the Internet.
There are two types of IP Address
Dynamic IP
ISPs often offer us free dynamic IP and it could change each time we are connected to the Internet. It means our computer is assigned unique IP address at specific times. The allocation of network configuration and IP address could be much faster is we are in a network with DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol). In this case, all client computers obtain gateway information, DNS and IP address directly from the DHCP server. There’s no need to manually add new computers into the network and the size of the network could expand quickly. In general, ISP user dynamic IP addresses, because they are much easier to manage, distribute and allocate. This will help to save time in a large LAN network that handles hundreds or thousands of computers.
Dynamic IP could enhance security in some degree, because we will be able to log in as anonymous users. However, dynamic IP isn’t suitable for specific tasks, such as web hosting. However, typical home users who regularly browse the web, check email and watch online videos shouldn’t find any difficulty with dynamic IP addresses.
Static IP
Static IP address is more exclusive and provides some distinct advantages. It is typically used if we consider setting up web hosting servers in our office or home. To allow websites accessible for people around the world, there should be a single, static IP that never changes. However, static IP could also be useful for identifying single important computer in the network. Hence, static IPs in network are used typically for special purposes and not freely allocated to typical client computers. ISP could also allocate us unique, static IP if we are subscribed to a high-speed, more expensive data plan. In this case, a business could use a single IP address for a specific duration of time. However, there are some more affordable business packages that offer both free web space and static IP address.
In general, we should choose only the type of IP address that matches our requirements. If we are typical home users who don’t need any specialized function, it may not be necessary to have static IP address, because it can be somewhat more expensive to maintain. However, businesses couldn’t rely on dynamic IP address if they seek to have a unique, prolonged online presence in the form of official website. Static IP could also help to cut a specific niche among our competitors.
