What is a dynamic ip

All About Static vs. Dynamic IP

February 14, 2022

The popularity of Virtual Private Networks (commonly referred to as VPNs) has been on the rise in the last decade or so. After all, these tools enable users to hide their IP addresses for complete privacy and freedom on the web.

If you’re one of the millions of people who use a VPN for whatever reason, you might have wondered somewhere down the line, “What type of IP address my VPN provider has assigned me?” Well, you don’t have just one choice.

There are two main types of IP addresses that you can obtain from your VPN, namely static (or dedicated) IP address and dynamic (or shared) IP address. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at static vs. dynamic IP addresses and what sets them both apart:

What happens to your IP address when you connect to a VPN?

When you connect your device (such as computers, smartphones, and tablets, etc.) to a VPN before using the Internet, your original Internet Protocol (IP) address gets replaced with one from the VPN server you selected.

This allows you to assume the location of that server, which not only helps you get around geo-locks on websites and specific content but also makes you anonymous as your online activities can’t be traced back to you.

What is a Static IP Address?

As the name implies, a static IP address is one that stays constant every time you go online. When you access the Internet on your device, you’ll be assigned a fixed, dedicated IP address by your VPN provider.

This means that whenever you connect to the Internet using your VPN service, it will always use the same static IP address – rather than a changing (dynamic) one.

Not all VPNs out there offer static IP addresses to their users, but you can get one from selected providers, such as yours truly, as a premium add-on.

What is a Dynamic IP Address?

A dynamic IP address is one that renews every time you go online. When you connect to the Internet on your device, you’ll be assigned a random, unique IP address by your VPN provider.

So, every time you access the Internet through your VPN service, you will always get a different IP address – rather than one that remains the same (static).

Dynamic IP addresses are the default IP method for most VPN providers today as they’re cheaper and provide better anonymity.

Is it Better to Have a Static IP or Dynamic IP?

Below, we have highlighted some pros and cons of using static vs. dynamic IPs so that you can decide which one is best suited for your needs:

Static IP

Dynamic IP

How do I know if my IP is static or dynamic?

There are three ways to find out if your IP address is static or dynamic:

Method 1:

You can contact your VPN provider directly via email or phone and ask them directly if you’re using an external dedicated or dynamic IP address.

Method 2:

Method 3:

Why Would You Need a Static IP Address?

Using a static IP address is necessary if you want to:

1. Host an FTP or Web Server

The advantages of static IPs are many. However, one of the biggest is that computers using a dedicated IP address can host servers, such as file and web servers, which can be accessed by other computers over the Internet. This type of IP address makes it easier for computers to find and connect to the server, regardless of where they’re located.

2. Stop Unwarranted Traffic via IP Whitelisting

Even though BYOD (Bring Your Device) and remote working have given employees the flexibility to be more productive, it’s important to realize that they also leave your business exposed to various security threats. With IP whitelisting, you can restrict access to corporate digital assets and limit them to known IP addresses only. However, you’ll need static IP addresses for this!

3. Access Your Computer from Anywhere

When you’re using a static IP address, you can easily access your computer remotely – as long as it’s active and connected to the Internet, of course. This makes it easier to access your information, work on important projects while traveling, and stay in communication with your friends, family, and colleagues from anywhere in the world.

4. Browse Uninterruptedly on the Web

Using a static IP address will often alleviate frustration. How do you ask? That’s because some websites straightaway block dynamic (shared) IP addresses or will ask for additional authentication to confirm your real identity. However, you’ll be able to enjoy a seamless online experience if you’re browsing behind a static IP.

5. Secure Your Online Banking

If you’re one of those people who do most of their banking activities online, then it’s quite obvious that you wouldn’t want cybercriminals to get their hands on your confidential information. By getting yourself a static IP address, you can secure your online banking account by only allowing your IP to gain access to it.

6. Static IP for Email Marketing

Topics :

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Static vs Dynamic IP Addresses: Everything You Need to Know

Every computer that’s connected to the internet has an Internet Protocol (IP) address. However, not all IP addresses look or behave the same way.

Understanding the difference between dynamic and static IPs is vital if you’re working with computer networks or servers. By learning more about each protocol, you can choose the most appropriate solution for your needs.

In this article, we’ll discuss the difference between static vs dynamic IPs. We’ll also help you figure out your IP address and explain how to assign it a fixed number (if that’s what you prefer).

Let’s get to work!

An Introduction to Static IP and Dynamic IP Addresses

As we mentioned before, every internet-enabled device has an IP address. It can be a unique numeric or alphanumeric string of characters, depending on which protocol you use. Most devices use IPv4 addresses, which look similar to this: 151.164.152.92.

Although IP addresses may appear random at first, they include a lot of information about your current network. Here’s what each segment in the above example represents:

Keep in mind that this is just one example of an IP address. When we talk about “static” addresses, we’re referring to a series of numbers that identify your device and never change.

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If you have a dynamic IP address, the numeric identifier will change periodically. Usually, this adjustment is made by your internet service provider (ISP), often without you even realizing it (since it usually doesn’t affect the browsing experience).

Determining What Your IP Is

Finding your IP address works differently depending on which operating system (OS) you’re using. Let’s go over the process for both Windows and macOS devices.

How to Find Your IP Address in Windows

The easiest way to find your IP address in Windows is to open the start menu, type “cmd” and launch the command prompt. Once the command prompt opens, type “ipconfig /all” and hit the Enter key.

The command prompt will return information about all of your network adapters, so you’ll need to identify which one you’re using:

Looking up your IP address using the Windows command prompt.

That’s a lot of information to sort through, but there are only two elements that are important right now:

We’ll discuss the advantages and disadvantages of dynamic vs static IPs in a moment. For now, let’s go over how to find your IP address if you’re using macOS.

How to Find Your IP Address in macOS

If you’re using macOS, the quickest way to find your IP address is to open the Network Preferences menu and select the network you’re using. Click on the relevant Advanced button, and then select the TCP/IP tab:

Finding your IP address on macOS.

Your IP address will show up next to either the IPv4 Address or IPv6 Address, depending on which protocol your network uses. We’ll talk about the difference between these protocols in a later section. For now, check to see if the Using DHCP option is enabled under either section.

If DHCP is enabled, you have a dynamic IP address. You already know the difference between dynamic and static IP addresses, but now it’s time to talk about which option you should be using.

Static vs Dynamic IP Addresses (4 Key Considerations)

There are pros and cons to using either static or dynamic IP addresses. In the following sections, we’ll break down four significant considerations to keep in mind when choosing these types.

1. When You Should Use a Static IP Address

The two kinds of devices most often assigned static IPs are servers and peripherals. If you’re using your device to browse the web, then it technically doesn’t matter if your IP address changes all the time.

However, static IP addresses are a necessity in some situations, including:

Many web hosts and email providers offer static IP addresses as extras or perks on specific plans. However, you don’t necessarily need a static IP address for running a website.

If you work remotely and you need to connect to a VPN to access work files, the chances are that your employer will ask you to set up a static IP address. Allowlisting IP addresses enables employers and other network administrators to decide who has access to the system, which is critical for security purposes.

Having a static IP address in either of those scenarios also means you’re the only person using it. With a shared IP address, you might get penalized if another user sends spam or sets up a website that’s deemed unsafe.

However, in practice, any reputable web host or email provider will ensure that you don’t run into any problems, even if you’re using a shared IP. At Kinsta, for example, we use a range of shared IP addresses provided by Cloudflare, and your website won’t suffer any downsides from it.

2. When You Should Use a Dynamic IP Address

In most cases, it doesn’t matter if your IP address changes regularly. If you don’t have to access private networks often or no one needs remote access to your device, you can do without a static IP address.

It’s important to note that there are a finite number of IP addresses — even if they change dynamically, some IP addresses end up repeating or getting shared. In the past, shared IP addresses posed severe concerns for websites and personal use. However, these days there are almost no downsides to not having a static IP address.

3. Static vs Dynamic IP Addresses for Home Networks: Which One to Use

Your internet provider will determine whether you use a dynamic or a static IP address in most cases. However, there are always workarounds to set up a static IP address, even if your provider offers dynamic IPs by default.

If you need to connect to a VPN or a website with an allowlist of IP addresses, you will need a static IP. However, if you only require access to your home network devices remotely, most modern tools enable you to connect to them without inputting IP addresses.

Google Chrome Remote Desktop, for example, asks you for a unique access code instead of an IP address:

Connecting to a remote device using Google Chrome Remote Support.

The availability of such tools means that you’ll rarely need a static IP address versus a dynamic one for your home network.

4. Dynamic IP vs Static IP: Safety Considerations

If someone knows your server or personal device’s IP address, they can try to connect to it. Even if your home devices or servers don’t contain any precious information, malicious actors might try to break in. If you have a static IP address, that means those hackers always know where to reach you.

Dynamic IP addresses are the safer option out of the box. However, it’s important to note that even if attackers know where to find you, that doesn’t necessarily mean they will get in. With proper security measures, a static IP address can be just as safe a choice as a dynamic one.

The Difference Between IPv4 and IPv6 Addresses

So far, we’ve only focused on IPv4 addresses. However, that’s not the only protocol available. IPv6 is another option, which at some point will likely become the norm for IP addresses.

There are several differences between these protocols. The primary reason the world is slowly transitioning to IPv6 is that IPv4 can only support around four billion IP addresses due to how it’s configured.

Since it’s becoming all too common for people to have multiple internet-enabled devices, four billion IP addresses are not enough, even with the help of DHCP. The IPv6 protocol solves that problem by using alphanumeric addresses, in contrast to IPv4’s numbers-only approach.

Here’s an example of what an IPv6 address looks like:

The increased length and the mix of letters and numbers mean that the IPv6 address can support 340 trillion addresses. With such a vast number, we shouldn’t run out for a very long time.

Right now, only about 35% of all devices in the world are using IPv6 addresses. Like IPv4, the IPv6 protocol supports both static and dynamic addresses. That means all of the considerations we’ve talked about so far also apply to this newer protocol.

How to Get a Static IP Address

If you need a static IP address, there are several ways you can get one, depending on what your situation is. In this section, we’ll cover all of them, whether you want to set or change a static IP for a web server or a local network device (wired or wireless).

How to Set a Static IP for a Web or Email Server

If you want to set up a static (non-shared) IP for a web or email server that you don’t host yourself, you’ll need to ask your provider for one. In many cases, web hosting or email providers will offer static IPs as extras if you’re using a VPS or a cloud hosting plan.

Keep in mind that paying for a dedicated server doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll get a static IP. Dynamic IPs are the norm in most cases, so you may still need to pay for an extra one even if you sign up for a dedicated plan.

How to Assign a Static IP Address to a Local Device

Many people recommend contacting your internet provider if you have a dynamic IP address and want a static one. However, in our experience, most internet providers cannot assign static IP addresses to residential customers.

Your best option is to configure a static IP yourself through your OS or router if that includes you. If you need a static IP to connect to another network with an allowlisted address, you can also use a VPN that offers fixed addresses.

How to Assign a Static IP to Windows Devices

As you might recall, IPv4 addresses include both network and host identifiers. In most cases, you can configure your devices to use static IPs without fear of conflict with other addresses.

If you’re using Windows, you can do this by accessing the Network & Internet section under your OS settings, and then selecting Change adapter options:

Changing your network adapter options in Windows.

You’ll see an overview of all of your available network connections. Right-click on your active network connection and select Properties. Next, click on the Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) option in the window that pops up, followed by the Properties button:

Accessing your IPv4 settings in Windows.

A new window will open, enabling you to select the Use the following IP address setting. Click on that option, and then set the static IP address you want to use:

Setting a static IP in Windows.

Keep in mind that you can’t just enter any values that you want. Here’s some guidance for filling out each field so that you won’t run into any errors:

Once you fill out every field, click on OK. If your settings are correct, you’ll have a new static IP.

How to Assign a Static IP to macOS Devices

Assigning a static IP address on a macOS device works in a very similar way. You also have to enter an IP address, a subnet mask, and your default gateway (which you can read about in the previous section).

The only difference is that getting to those settings requires a different route. Here are the three steps to access the Configure IPv4 menu for your active network in macOS:

Once you complete those steps, you’ll need to fill out the following fields, including your new static IP address, subnet mask, and default gateway:

Setting up a static IP address on macOS.

Save the changes to your network configuration, and you’re good to go. Now your IP address will remain static as long as you don’t revert the changes to your network.

Summary

Most internet and web hosting providers will assign you dynamic IP addresses. Typically, that’s not a bad thing. However, there are some situations where having a static IP is necessary, such as if you need to access a work VPN with allowlisted addresses.

If you’re running a website, however, you probably don’t need a static IP. At Kinsta, we offer shared IP addresses provided by Cloudflare to all our customers. Even without a dedicated IP, most of our customers see significant improvements in their sites’ performance.

Do you have any questions about static vs dynamic IP addresses? Let us know in the comments section below!

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dynamic IP address

A dynamic IP address is a temporary address for devices connected to a network that continually changes over time. An Internet Protocol (IP) address is a number used by computers to identify host and network interfaces, as well as different locations on a network.

Dynamic IP addresses are pulled from a pool of other IP addresses and change anywhere from within a few days to a few months. In contrast, static IP addresses assign a single, unchanging IP address to a home network.

Dynamic IP addresses are the most common type of IP address; they are the default IP address type provided by internet service providers (ISPs). In addition, dynamic IP addresses are ideal for everyday internet users because they are easy to manage and don’t require users to go through any additional setup or network configuration. An organization or home network should nearly always use a dynamic IP address.

Dynamic IP addresses do not cost any extra and are simple to use. They can also be seen as more secure since they change often.

When a user registers with a domain name system (DNS) service and connects to the internet with a dynamic IP address, the user’s computer contacts the DNS service and lets him know what IP address it has been assigned from the pool. The service then works with the DNS server to forward the correct address to the requesting DHCP computer. Using a dynamic DNS service to arrange for computers to find a user, even though they are using a dynamic IP address, is the next best thing to having a static IP.

Dynamic IP addresses host benefits such as the following:

Although dynamic IP addresses are commonly used, they still have some disadvantages that users should be aware of, including the following:

A static IP address does not change and, in most cases, will cost an additional fee through the ISP. Static IP addresses must be reserved from a limited number of IP addresses. Static IP addresses will stay the same no matter what users do, unless they request their ISP to change them. Businesses might want to use a static IP address to ease operations.

In most cases, a dynamic IP address is the cheaper, better option.

On a base level, dynamic IP addresses generally have better security compared to static IP addresses because they change with each session or login. This makes it more difficult for a hacker to track and compromise an individual’s data. A hacker will have a harder time targeting networked equipment on a dynamic IP address.

Dynamic IP addresses may be more secure, but they still come with some security concerns. Namely, there are security issues around DHCP automation. If the control over a DHCP server is lost, then users who connect to it could be intercepted, and their information could be accessed. Businesses with dynamic IP addresses may prefer employees to work on-site to ensure secure access to their network’s servers. Employees might also have a harder time connecting to a dynamic IP address from remote access controls, which may discourage them from working off-site.

However, security deficiencies found in dynamic IP addresses can be mitigated by implementing a router firewall, security suite or VPN. A VPN, for example, can help in obscuring a user’s network address, making it more difficult to find a device’s physical location. Although these measures don’t guarantee that all data will be safe at all times, they can help by a large margin, making it a good idea to implement additive security processes.

Computer networking in 5 minutes: Static IP vs dynamic IP

IP addresses are an essential part of computer networking. They play an important role in sending and receiving information on the internet. Every device that connects to an internet network has an IP address, which means there are billions of IP addresses that exist. Today, we’re going to discuss IP addresses, how they work, static IP vs dynamic IP, and more.

We’ll cover:

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What is an IP address?

An Internet Protocol address, or IP address, is a unique identifier assigned to every device on a TCP/IP network. The Internet Protocol is the set of rules that outlines how data should be transported across the internet or local networks. IP addresses help identify devices and allow them to communicate with each other.

Internally, IP addresses are stored as numbers. The Domain Name System (DNS) allows us to use words to identify different servers on the internet, such as an application, server, or website. When we type a URL into our search bar, DNS looks up that domain’s IP address and returns it to our network device. There are two main versions of IP addresses: IPv4 and IPv6.

We can think of IP addresses as physical home addresses. We can exchange addresses with friends and family. Those addresses give us a destination that allows us to communicate with friends and family through different communication methods like birthday cards, letters, and more.

How does an IP address work?

All devices communicate with one another using the Internet Protocol (IP). Here’s how it works:

Before our devices connect to the internet, they connect to a network that’s connected to the internet. This network gives us access to the internet. For example, the network that we use at home will most likely be our Internet Service Provider (ISP). After this, our ISP will assign an IP address to our device. Our internet activity will go through the ISP and then be routed back to us using our assigned IP address.

If we leave our home and take our personal device with us, our IP address from our home network doesn’t come with us. Let’s say we go to a hotel. When we want to use the internet at the hotel, we’d probably connect to their Wi-Fi network. Since we’re using a new network, we’re temporarily assigned a new IP address. This temporary IP address is assigned to us by the hotel’s ISP.

Can our IP addresses change? Yes, they can! If we turn our modem or router off, our IP address may change. We can also contact our ISP to change our IP address. This is one of the reasons why DNS is so important. Instead of directly informing others when our IP address changes, we can directly inform our DNS server. This means that any other device that contacts the DNS server will get the updated information for the new IP address.

Static IP addresses

A static IP address is an IP address that doesn’t change. Our static IP addresses usually stay the same unless our network architecture changes or our devices are out of commission. Static IP addresses are typically used for servers or other important networking equipment. They’re popular within business settings because they ensure that the devices connected to them keep a consistent address. They also work well for remote access solutions.

A static IP address is assigned to a device by an ISP. Typically, static IP addresses add to the cost of your internet service.

Dynamic IP addresses

A dynamic IP address is an IP address that can regularly change. An ISP will buy a large number of dynamic IP addresses and assign them to their customer’s devices. Dynamic IP addresses are often reassigned. Reassigning IP addresses helps internet providers save money and ensure a higher level of security. It also means that they don’t need to take the time to reestablish any network connections if we go on a vacation or move to a new location.

Dynamic IP addresses are more common for consumer equipment and personal use. A dynamic IP address is assigned to a device by our ISP’s Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) servers. The DHCP server typically uses network routers to assign addresses to devices.

Static (dedicated) vs. dynamic IP: What’s the difference?

Tips & tricks

Millie

on March 22, 2022

Last updated: August 8, 2022

You’ve probably heard of IP addresses and are aware they’re used to identify you on the internet. But there are different types of IP addresses, and one of those differences is between dynamic and static IP.

We’ll explain the difference, which can help you determine which kind you should use.

About IP addresses: What it is and how it works

An IP address is a unique series of numbers that identifies each device on a local network or the internet. There are different kinds of IP addresses:

IP addresses are categorized as private or public. A private IP address is assigned to your device to communicate with others within your internal network and isn’t seen outside of it. Your public IP address—assigned by your ISP (internet service provider)—identifies you on the internet so that other devices can communicate with you.

A public IP address can be further described as dynamic or static. As their names suggest, a dynamic IP address is one that changes regularly, while a static IP address is one that remains constant.

What is a dynamic IP address?

A dynamic IP address changes automatically and regularly—most commonly every 24 hours or after a router reset. As IP addresses aren’t unlimited, dynamic IP addresses get reused by other users of the same ISP.

Dynamic IP address examples

If you’re using a personal or home network, you likely have a dynamic IP address, since it is the standard used for most internet connections.

What is a static (dedicated) IP address?

A static IP address, also called a dedicated IP address, doesn’t change and remains consistent. This means whenever you connect to the internet after disconnecting, you’ll get the same IP address.

Static IP address examples

Static IP addresses are generally used for more advanced setups, like hosting a website at home and forwarding ports to a specific device. DNS servers also use static IP addresses—so devices know how to connect to them when looking up domain names online.

What are the pros and cons of dynamic and static IP addresses?

Both dynamic and static IP addresses have their strengths and weaknesses. In fact, this depends on whether they’re looked at from the viewpoint of a consumer, business owner, or an internet service provider.

Pros and cons of dynamic IP addresses

Pros and cons of static IP addresses

Similarities between static and dynamic IP addresses

Both static and dynamic IP addresses are unique strings of numbers used to identify you on the internet. In fact, they are both public IP addresses—as opposed to private IP addresses which are only used within your internal network.

Does my public IP address travel with me?

You won’t always have the same public IP address on your device. Your public IP address is associated with the network you’re connected to on your device—so it changes whenever you switch over to a different network.

Should I use a dynamic or static IP address?

Quick answer: Dynamic IP addresses are more suitable for personal use. In some cases, static IP addresses are more suitable if you need constant access to remote devices or host your own servers for your business.

How to check if you have a static or dynamic IP address

If you’re not paying extra for a static IP address, you can pretty much assume you have a dynamic IP address. But there are ways to check.

Windows

These steps are applicable to Windows 10 and should work similarly for other Windows versions.

Android

How to get a dynamic IP address

If you’re using a personal or residential network, you likely have a dynamic IP address so you don’t need to request it specifically.

Dynamic IP VPNs

With ExpressVPN, you’ll use dynamic IP addresses which rotate regularly among its users so no one can trace your online activity back to you.

How to get a static IP address

You don’t normally need a static IP address. If you do—contact your internet service provider to request a static IP address for an additional fee.

Static (dedicated) IP VPNs

VPN providers don’t usually give out static IP addresses since they’ll always give you the same “entry point” to the internet—which contradicts with what a VPN achieves.

Ways to protect your IP address

Regardless of which type of IP you use, remember to always take an extra step to keep your IP address private.

Your IP address is the extension of your online identity. Even if you use a dynamic IP address, which is the safer option out of the box, it can still be exploited to get your browsing history, passwords, emails, and more.

It’s important to keep your IP address private—regardless of which type of IP addresses you have:

FAQ: About dynamic and static IP addresses

What’s the difference between dynamic IP, static IP, and PPPoE?

Dynamic and static IP addresses are public addresses used to identify you on the internet. PPPoE, which stands for Point-to-Point Protocol over Ethernet, is a network protocol that lets your devices connect to your modem. It doesn’t have much to do with dynamic and static IP addresses.

Should I use dynamic IP or PPPoE?

Dynamic IP addresses and PPPoE are two different concepts and shouldn’t be compared.

What’s the difference between DHCP and static IP?

DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) is a protocol used for assigning dynamic IP addresses to devices connected to a network. A static IP is an IP address that doesn’t change.

Which is better—DHCP or static IP?

DHCP is a protocol used for giving dynamic IP addresses to devices. The question should be more about whether a dynamic IP address (which is set up using DHCP) or a static IP address is better. A dynamic IP address, DHCP, makes sense in most cases, unless you are hosting a server.