You may have heard the terms “static IP address,” “dynamic IP address,” “public IP address,” and “private IP address” before, but what do they actually mean? How are they different from each other?
In this article, we’ll explain the difference between these four types of IP addresses, and we’ll help you decide which one is best for your needs. Read On!
Difference between Static, Dynamic, Public & Private IP Addresses
Defining IP Addresses
Before we get into the different types of IP addresses, let’s first take a moment to define what an IP address is.
An IP address is a unique identifier assigned to each device on a network. It’s basically your device’s street address, and it’s what allows devices to communicate with each other.
There are four main types of IP addresses: static, dynamic, public and private. Static IP addresses are assigned to devices permanently, while dynamic IP addresses are assigned temporarily.
Public IP addresses are visible to anyone on the internet, while private IP addresses are only visible to devices on a local network. Let us now discuss everything in a little depth.
What Is a Static IP Address?
A static IP address is just what it sounds like—a permanent address that doesn’t change. It’s a good solution for businesses that have a web server or other device that needs to stay connected to the internet at all times.
If you have a static IP address, you’ll always use the same one, which makes it easy to remember. It also helps with security, because you can set up firewalls and other security measures that will only allow specific devices through.
The downside of using a static IP address is that they can be expensive, and sometimes they’re not available in certain areas.
What Is a Dynamic IP Address?
A dynamic IP address is one that’s assigned to your device automatically. It’s a temporary address that can change every time you log on to the internet.
This can be a bit of a pain, because you never know what IP address you’re going to get. But it’s also handy, because it means your IP address is always changing and it’s harder for hackers to track you down.
Most home broadband connections use dynamic IP addresses, and they’re perfect for everyday web browsing. If you need a more permanent IP address, then you’ll need to get a static IP address from your internet service provider.
Read: How to Reserve IP Addresses for A Device on A Wi-Fi Network
What Is a Public IP Address?
You might be wondering, what is a public IP address? And the answer is pretty straightforward—a public IP address is an IP address that’s accessible to anyone on the internet.
It’s the address that your computer uses to communicate with other devices on the net. Public IP addresses are assigned by your ISP, and there’s a limited number of them.
That’s why some websites and online services are restricted in certain parts of the world—because not everyone has access to a public IP address.
What Is a Private IP Address?
A private IP address is an IP address that’s only used inside a network. It’s a unique number that’s assigned to each device on a network.
So, what’s the point of having a private IP address? Well, it’s a lot more secure than using a public IP address. That’s because a public IP address is accessible by anyone on the internet, while a private IP address is only accessible by devices on the same network.
That means if you’re using a private IP address, you can be sure that your data is safe and secure. Plus, it makes it easier to keep track of what’s going on inside your network.
Now let’s talk about some of the key points between static and dynamic IP Address.
Difference between Static IP Address and Dynamic IP Address
Static IP Address |
Dynamic IP Address |
| ● Static IP addresses are fixed, which means that the address never changes.
● This is a good option for businesses that want a permanent address for their website or for employees who need access to certain files from home. |
● Dynamic IP addresses are assigned randomly each time you log in.
● This is a good option for people who need access to the internet from different locations, as it gives you a new address each time you connect. |
Now let’s take a look at some of the key points between public and private IP addresses.
Difference between Public IP Address and Private IP Address
Public IP Address |
Private IP Address |
| ● Public IP addresses are visible to everyone and are assigned by internet service providers.
● They’re used for things like web servers, routers, and smart devices. |
● Private IP addresses are only visible to devices on a specific network and are assigned by the network administrator.
● They’re used for things like company networks, remote access, and home networks. |
How Can You Find Your IP Address?
You can find your IP address in a few different ways.
For starters, most routers have an IP address listed on them. You can also check your computer’s settings, or go to a website like whatismyipaddress.com to find out your public IP address.
But what if you want to know your private IP address? This is the IP address that’s used internally by your network and is not accessible from the outside world.
To find this, you’ll need to open up a command prompt window and type in “ipconfig.” This will show you all of the information about your computer’s network adapters, including the private IP address.
Conclusion
At this point, you should have a good understanding of the different types of IP addresses. Static IP addresses are fixed, and never change. Dynamic IP addresses are assigned temporarily, and can change every time you connect to the internet. Public IP addresses are visible to anyone on the internet, while private IP addresses are only visible to devices on your network.
Hopefully, this information will help you make the best decision for your needs. Thanks for reading!
FAQs on IP Address
What is the Advantages of a Static IP Address?
With a static IP address, your computer always has the same IP address. This makes it easier for others to find you online, and it also makes it easier for you to access your devices remotely. For example, if you have a printer or scanner connected to your computer, you can access them remotely by using your static IP address. So if you’re looking for a more stable and permanent online presence, a static IP address may be the right solution for you.
What is the Disadvantages of a Static IP Address?
Static IP addresses have a few disadvantages. For starters, they can be expensive, and you’ll need to contact your ISP to get one. Another downside is that they can be tricky to set up. If you’re not comfortable doing it yourself, you’ll need to hire a technician to help you out. And finally, if your IP address changes for any reason, you’ll need to update your settings accordingly. This can be a pain if you’re not used to do it.
What is the Advantages of a Dynamic IP Address?
First of all, a dynamic IP address is always changing, which makes it harder for hackers to track you down. It’s also great for online gaming, because it gives you a new identity with every game. Plus, it’s really convenient when you’re traveling and need to connect to a new network. All in all, a dynamic IP address is a great way to keep your online activities safe and anonymous.
What is the Disadvantages of a Dynamic IP Address?
You might be wondering what the downside of a dynamic IP address is. And the answer is that it can be a bit of a security risk. Think about it—with a static IP address, you always know exactly where your traffic is coming from. But with a dynamic IP address, that information is constantly changing, which makes it harder to track down malicious actors. It’s for this reason that many businesses choose to use a static IP address. It’s a bit more secure, and it can help you keep tabs on your traffic more easily.
