Static IP vs. Dynamic IP: What’s the Difference?

The main difference between static IP and dynamic IP is that static IP addresses remain the same over time whereas dynamic IP addresses can change periodically.

Before we move to more differences, let’s first understand Static IP and Dynamic IP:

  • Static IP: A static IP address is manually assigned to a device and remains unchanged unless modified by the network administrator or the user.
  • Dynamic IP: A dynamic IP address is an IP address that is automatically assigned to a device by a network server.

Now, let’s get to Static IP vs Dynamic IP:

Major differences between Static IP and Dynamic IP

Static IP Dynamic IP
Static IP addresses require manual configuration on each device. Dynamic IP addresses require minimal configuration and management.
Static IP addresses may not be available for every device or network. Dynamic IP addresses are widely available and automatically assigned by default in most networks.
Static IP addresses can be more secure because they are less susceptible to hacking or spoofing. Dynamic IP addresses are more vulnerable to security threats due to their changing nature.
Static IP addresses may come at an additional cost from the internet service provider or network administrator. Dynamic IP addresses are typically included in standard network configurations.
Static IPs are manually assigned to devices. Dynamic IPs are automatically assigned by a DHCP server.

So, these are the main differences between the entities.

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