There are two kinds of IP addresses-
Static IP and Dynamic IP. In this intermediate level tutorial we walk you
through the comparison between static IP address and dynamic IP address, and
discuss the pros and cons of both.
IPv4
and IPv6
IPv4 uses 32 bits to create a single
unique address on the network. The address is represented by four numbers
separated by dots. Each number is the decimal representation for an eight digit
binary number.
For example 216.27.61.136.
On the other hand IPv6 uses 128
binary bits to create a single unique address on the network. The address is
represented by eight groups of hexadecimal numbers separated by colons. Here’s
an example:
2001:cdba:0000:0000:0000:0000:3257:9653.
The practice is to usually omit the
groups of numbers that contain all zeros. Here a colon separator is used to
mark the gap. For example the above IP address can also be represented by
2001:cdba::3257:9653
When
Do You Opt for Static IP Address
- If your business needs to receive large amounts of data, it is recommended that you have your own FTP server so that you can receive and send files. It is beneficial to have your static IP address so that customers, suppliers and others can reliably connect to your server.
- To make sure that your website has the capability to respond to queries for your domain name it has to be associated with your static IP address. Remember that your domain name is what your customers will put into a browser.
- Examples where you may need a static IP address include email or chat servers, database servers, network equipment and VPN(Virtual Private Network). Here having a static IP address makes interaction over the net more convenient.
Advantages
of Static IP Address
- Stability– In case of applications such as authenticated services on web servers and file downloads the connection should be stable. In static IP a small interruption in the connection usually does not terminate the packet exchange with the service.
- Hosting– Since there is no change of IP address, this is suitable for applications which use Voice over Internet Protocol (VOIP),gaming applications, and Virtual Private Network(VPN).
- Preferred address for servers– Static IP addresses is ideal if your computer acts as a server. The reason is it gives your file server relatively faster file uploads and downloads.
- Convenient remote access– When you remotely connect to a computer you need not worry about the changes in the IP address during the connected session. Also when you connect to your computer through applications such as remote desktop, you need not be bothered about losing the IP address.
- Reduced down time– The IP never resets. In other words your computer need not send any request for renewal. This makes it an ideal choice for seamless connectivity.
Disadvantages
of Static IP Address
- Security– Static IP Address could be a security risk as the IP address is constant. There is a greater chance of hacking the website. Also you cannot easily change the Static IP once it has been hacked. This makes your system very susceptible to continuous attack. It is imperative to put preventive measures in place before obtaining a static IP such as Internet security suites and router firewalls.
- Uptime– static IPs are preferred for hosting servers and file transfer protocol sites. So the servers have to be on all the time to host these functions. The cost of constantly running a server is exorbitant.
- Configuration– The process to set a static IP is manual and relatively complex. Occasionally, external software is required for this purpose. Also several consumer level ISPs lack support for static IPs.
- Keeping pace with technology– The field of computers is rapidly changing. It is possible that a static IP computer running a server becomes obsolete in the near future. It is relatively complex to transfer the server settings from a static IP computer to a new computer. It is wise to invest in an easily upgradable computer to run a static IP server.
Advantages
of Dynamic IP Address
- Security –Computers having Dynamic IP address have relatively lower security risk (as your computer is assigned a new IP address each time you log on).
- Lower cost -Cost effective as compared to the static kind of address
- Automatic network configuration –The user does not have to do the network configuration. That is taken care of.
Disadvantages
of Dynamic IP Address
- Security issues – DHCP automation can be significant security threat in case of a rogue DHCP server. This server is not in the control of the network personnel. If any user connects to it, information over that connection can be intercepted and looked at. Thus network security and user privacy is violated.
- Network Failure –If only a single DHCP server is in place, it’s failure causes a system wide issue. In case of server failure, any connected computers that don’t already have an IP address will try and fail to obtain one. Computers which already have an IP address before the server’s failure will try to renew it, which will cause the computer losing its IP address.
- Less Reliable – Note that Dynamic IP addressing should not be used for VOIP, VPN, playing online games as Dynamic IP addressing is less reliable then Static IP addressing and could cause the service to disconnect while you are on a VOIP, VPN or gaming.
