Ip Address
Ip Address
Ip Address
What is IP Address?
• IP is stands for Internet Protocol Address (IP address) in layman's
terms is basically the address given to your computer when it’s
connected to a network.
MAIN TYPES OF IP ADDRESS
The 2 main types of IP Address
1. Static IP Address
As the name speaks, the static IP Addresses are those types of IP
address that never change once they are assigned to a device on a
network. No doubt this type of addressing is cost effective. But could
have a high security risk. Static IP addresses are mostly used by web,
email and gaming servers who don’t care much about hiding their
location.
Key characteristics and uses of static IP
addresses:
• Permanence: A static IP address is manually configured and remains the
same every time a device connects to a network. It doesn't change
unless it is intentionally modified by a network administrator.
• Predictability: Because a static IP address is fixed, it is predictable and
consistent. This makes it suitable for applications and services that
require a stable address, such as servers, networked devices, and
services like remote access or VPNs.
• Remote Access: Static IP addresses are commonly used for remote
access to devices or networks. If you want to access a specific device
over the internet (e.g., a remote server or security camera), a static IP
address ensures that you always know the address to connect to.
• Hosting Services: When hosting websites or online services, a static IP
address is often used to ensure that the services are consistently
reachable using a specific IP address.
• DNS (Domain Name System): Static IP addresses can be associated
with domain names, allowing users to access websites and services
using user-friendly domain names while maintaining a stable
underlying IP address.
• Network Configuration: Some network devices, such as routers or
network-attached storage (NAS) devices, use static IP addresses to
ensure consistent and reliable connections within a local network.
2. Dynamic IP Address
On the other hand, a dynamic IP address changes each time the
device logs into the network. This kind of IP address is very tough to
trace and thus used by companies and business firms.
Dynamic IP address, every time the device logs in, these IP
address are assigned using DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration
Protocol).
Key characteristics and uses of dynamic IP
addresses:
• Automatic Assignment: When a device connects to a network, such
as a local area network (LAN) or the internet, it requests an IP address
from a DHCP server. The DHCP server assigns an available IP address
to the device for a specific period, which is known as a lease.
• Temporary: Dynamic IP addresses are temporary and are only valid
for the duration of the lease, which can be set by the network
administrator or service provider. After the lease expires, the device
may receive a different IP address if it reconnects to the network.
• Efficient Use of Addresses: Dynamic IP addressing is a more efficient
use of IP addresses, especially in situations where there are a limited
number of available IP addresses. When devices disconnect from the
network, their IP addresses can be recycled and assigned to other
devices.
• Suitable for Home Networks: Dynamic IP addressing is commonly used
in home networks and small businesses, as it simplifies network setup.
Most consumer routers include built-in DHCP servers that automatically
assign dynamic IP addresses to devices on the local network.
• Privacy and Security: Dynamic IP addresses can provide a level of
privacy and security, as they change periodically. This can make it more
challenging for external parties to track the online activities of a specific
user or device based on their IP address.