IP addresses are the bridge between the Internet and its 5 billion users. Every website, computer, router, or other devices we use to connect to the Internet has an IP address that facilitates the connection.
There are over 4 billion IP addresses today, out of which 600 million are reserved and unavailable for public routing. Over 35% of all IP addresses are allocated to the US, with China in second place with 7.7% of all IP addresses.
What Is an IP Address?
An IP or an Internal Protocol address is a unique address that serves as an identifier for each device that connects to local networks or the Internet. IP addresses enable devices connected to the same network to share data and communicate. They contain location information about the devices and allow them to discover other devices.
There are different IP addresses for websites, computers, and routers, so it's easier to distinguish one from the other.
The rules and regulations for formatting the data that is exchanged through IP addresses are set by the Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol or TCP/IP. IANA, or the Internet Assigned Number Authority, is responsible for allocating IP addresses.
IP addresses are composed of four sets of numbers that go from 0 to 255 and are separated by periods. So, an IP address can go from 0.0.0.0 to 255.255.255.255.
The most commonly used IP versions are IPv4 and IPv6. Currently, we have used up almost all of the 4.3 billion IPv4 addresses. However, there is a massive amount of available IPv6 addresses that we may never run out of.
IP addresses are stored in computers and other devices as numbers. The Internet uses the Domain Name System or DNS to transform these numbers into names so that users can navigate the Internet more easily and name the devices on their networks.
What Is a Static IP Address?
A static IP address is a constant address that doesn't change.
They are assigned by Internet Service Providers or ISPs and are most commonly used by businesses, servers, or other such important equipment.
Once a static IP address has been assigned, the number usually stays the same as long as the device is in use or your network undergoes changes.
Usually, if you want to get a static IP address, you will have to pay extra. They can be both IPv4 or IPv6, but currently, permanent addresses are static IPv4 addresses.
What Is a Dynamic IP Address?
Dynamic IP addresses can change when you restart or reboot your router or system. Also, your dynamic IP address can be assigned to another device when you don't use yours. They are usually assigned to individual users or home networks.
So, for example, your office will probably have a static IP address, while your private PC will probably have a dynamic one. Dynamic IP addresses are used because IPv4 doesn't have enough static IP addresses for every Internet user.
ISPs temporarily issue dynamic IP addresses through their Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol or DHCP server. Dynamic ISPs are the standard for consumer products like PCs, smartphones, tablets, etc.
Other Types of IP Addresses
- Local or private
These IP addresses have a local reach and are used for private networks where devices can connect and share information securely within the private network.
- Public
These IP addresses have a global reach and are used to communicate with all users on the Internet, where all information is public and easily discoverable.
Static vs. Dynamic IP Addresses Comparison
Static IP addresses
Constant and do not change
Assigned by ISPs
Not really secure
More stable and reliable
More expensive to get and maintain
Used by users that handle less confidential data
Dynamic IP addresses
Change often
Assigned by DHCP
More secure than static IP addresses
Not as stable and reliable
Cheaper to maintain
Used by users that require more security and handle confidential data
Pros and Cons of Static IP
Pros
They are easy to set up and manage through DNS servers
Static IP addresses make it easier for customers to find your hosting services via DNS if you provide hosting for email, web, or other types of servers.
You'll be able to access your device from anywhere in the world if you have a static IP address. Static IP addresses also make it simple for employees to find and use shared equipment on their network, such as printers.
Teleconferencing, video calls, and other Voice over Internet Protocol or VoIP are easier to use and are of higher quality with static IP addresses.
Download and upload speeds are faster for devices with static IP addresses.
Businesses can better manage and document issues in real-time and detect and remediate possible threats before they cause network damage, thanks to more accurate geolocation data. Also, asset location information, content customization, better delivery management, fraud detection, and load balancing are all advantages of a static IP address.
Cons
Static IP addresses are easier to hack because the attackers know the precise location of your server on the Internet.
The maintenance of static IP addresses can be expensive, and ISPs usually charge more for static IP addresses than dynamic ones.
People can easily trace a device and the data it accesses or shares since static IP addresses do not change.
Pros and Cons of Dynamic IP
Pros of Dynamic IP
Each time your dynamic IP address changes, the DHCP server is the one that assigns you a new one automatically.
Usually, dynamic IP addresses are automatically assigned, which means there are no additional fees you have to pay.
Dynamic IP addresses can be reused. Your devices are automatically configured with a new dynamic IP address as needed within a network, which minimizes unexpected conflicts when two computers try to reuse the same IP address.
Devices that have dynamic IP addresses are more difficult to track, and hackers cannot find your location as easily.
Cons of Dynamic IP
The fact that dynamic IP addresses change often may cause issues with DNS, which is why most hosting servers and websites choose static IP addresses.
Devices with dynamic IP addresses can experience frequent downtime and connection issues.
Because IP addresses change frequently, remote access to networks can be difficult, and users may have difficulty accessing the Internet from devices outside their primary network.
Final Remarks
IP addresses are essential to our existence in this day and age. They are the invisible force that enables us to access data at home and work seamlessly at any point in time.
Usually, businesses and hosted services go for static IP addresses, while individual users have dynamic IP addresses. However, the most important thing you should do before going for one type or the other is to consider your needs and make an informed decision that will satisfy those needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between web hosting and domain?
Web hosting and domain are two different things, even though they are closely related. A domain is the address of your website, while web hosting is where your site files are physically stored.
Is self-hosting too complicated?
People who don’t have the technical expertise or any knowledge in coding might run into a bump when an issue arises on their website.
Is managed hosting secure?
Managed hosting providers secure and handle the information and data of their customers with great sensitivity, and security is one of the benefits of a managed hosting service.
Is reseller hosting profitable?
In general, reseller hosting is very profitable. However, to be able to offset your initial cost, the hardest part will be getting your first few reseller clients.
Bruno Mirchevski is a web hosting services expert. He has spent years researching the niche, exploring the most diverse aspects of Shared, VPS, WordPress, Cloud Hosting, Dedicated Servers, Resellers, etc. With his extensive knowledge and experience, he can grant you meaningful insights on our blog, whether you are a beginner or a hosting pro.
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