Static IP Vs. Dynamic IP Addresses: Understanding the Differences
Author: Gary Hilson,Date published: September 29 , 2025,With the significance of network connectivity in today's connected world, it's essential to understand the difference between a static IP vs. dynamic IP address, their essential contribution to organizing the internet and how best to use them. Deciding between a static IP vs. dynamic IP address can help an organization better support remote users, so they can access the devices they need, no matter where they are, as well as facilitate access to any data, digital information, or services they need to be productive. Every device connected to the internet, or a private network using TCP/IP, has an assigned internet protocol (IP) address, acting as a unique identifier for that device. The most popular network protocol in the world, TCP/IP (Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol), is the standard internet communications protocol that allows devices to communicate over long distances. TCP is the component that breaks down and reassembles the packets of data, while IP is responsible for making sure the packets are sent to the right destination. We will explore IP in this article. The IP address is a unique identifier for devices connected to a network, similar to a postal address. The first type of IP address was IPv4, which has been used since the. The was created to accommodate the growth of internet-connected devices by offering more IP addresses, but to this day, IPv6 is still not enabled by all content and transit providers or products. Older computers and Wi-Fi routers, for example, may not be IPv6-capable. IP addresses are managed and governed centrally through the Internet Assigned Numbers Authority, and although the was announced in 2011, IPv4 are still widely used thanks to technologies like Classless Inter-Domain Routing (CIDR) and Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP). CIDR is an addressing scheme that improves the allocation of IP addresses, while DHCP is a network management protocol used on IP networks for automatically assigning IP addresses. What is the difference between a dynamic and static IP address? A static IP address is a permanent number assigned to a computer or device and does not change over time. However, a device that is connected to a dynamic IP address gets automatically assigned a temporary number that can change every time it reconnects with a network. A key aspect of understanding the difference between static IP vs. dynamic IP addresses, is that they are not the only kinds of IP addresses. So exactly what is a static IP address and what are the other kinds of IP addresses? When a static IP address is assigned to a device, it doesn't change until the associated services are disconnected or a request to release the IP address lease is submitted. Learn more in. Static assignments, even through a fixed dynamic address, can help support identity-based protections to authenticate the identity of the user or device. This can allow you to adopt practices such as whitelisting or allowlisting and/or ensure users have the necessary authorization and permissions to access certain applications, data, or services. However, a static IP isn't necessary because it's possible to use dynamic Domain Name System (DNS), where permissions and access are tied behind the scenes. The address might change, but the access is provided through the DNS name. This can be particularly useful for remote workers because static IPs can be used to verify permitted users to access a company network. Furthermore, the addition of private IP networking layers on security as each device will have their company's private IP address, ahead of with the likes of multifactor authentication and single sign-on (SSO), not directly routed over the public internet. Determining between dynamic vs. static IP addresses and when to use each one allows organizations to improve speed, reduce connection delays, address discrepancies and eliminate recognition errors from applications accessing data. Using a static IP vs. dynamic IP address means applications, users and systems accessing the data do not need to track IP address changes. As an example, if your organization is running an e-commerce website and handling payments, a static IP address combined with an SSL certificate is essential for securing customer data. Your organization may also need one if you're running certain third-party applications or scripts on your site. Global CEOs and other business leaders continue to recognize the. This is why it is important to build an understanding of IP addressing and other potential solutions. It's just as important to work with a trusted provider that can guide you and your business. 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