Dynamic IP or Static IP, What to Choose?

Static IP address

Static IP addresses are assigned to devices as its permanent address on the internet. The IP address will be the same for all the customers of that particular internet service provider. The concept of static IP addressing is very simple, since every device gets its own unique IP address. Unfortunately, there are not enough numbers to make it happen.

Why use a static IP address

The following are some of the circumstances in which a static IP address can be used:

• If the user is in need of a reliable naming resolution.
• The services like Voice over internet Protocol (VoIP), online gaming servers, Virtual Private Networks require the static IP address.
• To host your own web, mail, FTP, or DNS server.
• To maintain privacy of the user’s IP address from prying eyes and internet threats.

Why not to use a static IP address

• A static IP address is highly vulnerable to security risk, since the address is always the same.
• A static IP address is not a cost-effective choice, since the cost of setting up is comparatively higher than that of a dynamic IP address.

Dynamic IP address

In a dynamic IP address scheme, every time the user logs in, he gets a new IP address. The assignment of a dynamic IP address is done by DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) server. Dynamic IP address is usually used by ISPs to assign the sane IP address to several users. People always confuse “Sticky Dynamic IP address” with “Static IP address.” Sticky dynamic IP address is a dynamic IP address that does not change very often.

Why use a dynamic IP address

• It’s less vulnerable to threats, as the IP address keeps changing.
• The dynamic IP address can be used to perform very basic needs, such as browsing the internet, sending and receiving mail, downloading and uploading files, forums, instant messaging, etc.
• It’s cost-effective, and users can even host their own websites and mail servers with the help of DDNS capabilities.

Why not to use a dynamic IP address

• It’s less reliable.
• It can’t be used for VoIP, playing online games.

Guidelines

These two different methods are simply an approach of giving an identifier to the device and it will not affect the speed or quality of service between them. The major providers of static IP address are PureVPN, StrongVPN, IAPS VPN, VPN Secure and many more, and the major providers of dynamic IP address are HideMyAss, Private Internet Access, StrongVPN, ibVPN and many more. Ultimately, the decision of choosing an IP address would rest with the end user.

Images: Picstopin & Smore