Let’s see what is the difference between static IP and dynamic IP addresses. Static IPs are fixed IP addresses and dynamic IP addresses keep changing. In this blogpost, we will understand the static and dynamic IP addresses in detail.
What are IP addresses?
IP (Internet Protocol) addresses are unique numbers assigned to every device that connects to a computer network for communication.
The primary reason for assigning IP addresses to devices is to uniquely identify devices within a network. Every device connected to a network, whether it’s a computer, smartphone, server, or any other device, is assigned a unique IP address. This address helps in routing data packets to the correct device.
Another important function of IP addresses would be to indicate the location of a device on a network. An IP address provides information about the network segment to which a device belongs. IP addresses can be used to locate any device on the web.
There are two types of IP addresses: IPV4 & IPV6. The number of devices on the web increased to such an extent that unique IPV4 addresses were exhausted, thus IPV6 addresses were introduced.
IPV4
IPV4 stands for Internet Protocol Version 4 addresses.
E.g. 198.162.108.55
IPV6
IPV6 stands for Internet Protocol Version 6 addresses.
E.g 2001:0db8:85a3:0000:0000:8a2e:0370:7334
Why are IP addresses so important?
IP addresses are the foundation of modern computer networking and the internet. They help devices in a network to identify other devices, route data to them, manage networking and secure the connection. Without IP addresses, the Internet as we know it would not function, and the complex global network of interconnected devices would be impossible to manage and navigate.
Static IP Addresses
Static means fixed. Static IP addresses are also known as fixed IP addresses. A static IP address does not change each time a device connects to a network or the internet. Static IP addresses are manually configured and set up on a device. E.g. if you have assigned a static IP for your laptop its IP address will not change whenever you connect your laptop to a wifi connection. Your IP stays the same no matter where you connect your laptop.
The network administrator or device owner needs to configure the static IP address settings on the device or within the network’s providers’ DHCP server settings (Usually found in the router). He needs to specify things like IP address, subnet mask, gateway, and DNS server when claiming a static IP address.
Static IP addresses are generally used for servers, networked printers, IoT devices and security cameras. The connection over a static IP address is more stable and there are no IP conflict issues.
Dynamic IP Addresses
A dynamic IP address is an IP address which gets automatically assigned to a device whenever it connects to a computer network or internet. For example, your laptop gets assigned a unique IP address when you connect your laptop to a Wi-Fi connection at home. If you later connect your laptop to an office Wi-Fi connection you will get assigned another IP address automatically. Dynamic IP address keeps changing.
Dynamic IP addresses are typically provided by a DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) server, which manages a pool of available IP addresses and leases them to devices on the network for a specific period.
Dynamic IP addresses are used in home Wi-Fi networks, hotspot connections, internet service providers VPN etc.
What is the difference between static IP and dynamic IP address?
| Static IP Address | Dynamic IP Address |
| 1. Static IP address is manually configured on the device. | 2. Dynamic IP addresses change every time you connect to a network or an internet connection. |
| 2. Static IP address remains constant even when you change the network or internet connection. | 3. Static IPs are more stable and predictable. |
| 3. Dynamic IPs are not that stable. | 4. It’s difficult to locate and remotely control a device using a dynamic IP address. |
| 5. Static IPs are used in servers, networked printers, IoT devices security cameras etc. | 5. Dynamic IP addresses are used in home Wi-Fi networks, hotspot connections, internet service providers VPN etc. |
| 9. Dynamic IP configuration is automatic and thus easier. | 8. High cost of maintenance. |
| 6. Static IP is provided by your ISP | 6. Dynamic IP is provided by DHCP Server. |
| 7. Less secure as compared to dynamic IP | 7. More secure as compared to static IP |
| 8. Less or negligible cost for maintenance. | 9. Static IP configuration is difficult. |
| 9. Dynamic IP configuration is automatic and thus easier. | 9. Dynamic IP configuration is automatic thus easier. |
How to Configure Static and Dynamic IP Addresses
How to configure static IP addresses?
How to configure static IP on Windows 10 or Windows 11?
1. Open Network Settings:
Login to Windows as administrator and Navigate to Control Panel → Network and Internet → Network and Sharing Centre
2. Access Network and Sharing Center:
In the Network Connections window, click on “Change adapter settings” on the left sidebar.
3. Choose the Network Adapter:
Right-click on the network adapter for which you want to set a static IP address and select “Properties.”
4. Select Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4):
In the Properties window for your network adapter, find and select “Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)” from the list. Then, click the “Properties” button.
5. Configure the Static IP Address:
In the Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) Properties window, select the “Use the following IP address” option.
Enter the desired static IP address in the “IP address” field. Make sure it’s within the correct subnet for your network.
Set the “Subnet mask” to match your network configuration.
Enter the default gateway (usually your router’s IP address) in the “Default gateway” field.
Specify DNS server addresses. You can use your router’s IP address as the DNS server, or use public DNS servers like those provided by Google (8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4) or Cloudflare (1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1).
6. Save and Apply Settings:
After entering the required information, click the “OK” button to save the settings.
7. Verify Configuration:
To ensure that your static IP address has been properly configured, you can open the Command Prompt and use the “ipconfig” command to check your IP configuration. Type ipconfig and press Enter to see your network settings.
8. Restart the Network Adapter (Optional):
Sometimes, it may be necessary to restart your network adapter for the changes to take effect. You can do this by disabling and then re-enabling the network adapter in the Network Connections window.
Your Windows computer should now be configured with a static IP address. Remember that manually setting a static IP address means you are responsible for ensuring there are no IP conflicts on your network, as other devices should not use the same IP address. If you’re unsure about the correct values to use, consult your network administrator or refer to your router’s settings for guidance.
How to configure dynamic IP?
As dynamic IP addresses are assigned automatically you don’t need to configure the dynamic IP address on any of your devices.
Conclusion
Static IP addresses are fixed and configured on the device. The static IP address does not change with a change in network or change in internet connection. The static IP address has to be configured manually by the device user on his device. The dynamic IP address does not need to be manually configured but is automatically assigned when a device is connected to a network of internet connection. Both static and dynamic IP addresses have their advantages and disadvantages. Generally, all our devices use static IPs and there’s hardly any need to change to static IPs for normal users.
I hope you understand the difference between static and dynamic IP addresses and the configuration of static IP addresses on your Windows PC. If you have any questions or queries feel free to ask me in the comments section below I will reply to every one of you.
Thanks & Happy Computing!