Differences Between Dynamic and Static IP Addresses

There are two types of IP addresses: dynamic and static IP addresses. This article will explain what the difference is and why you should often prefer a static IP address.

Dynamic IP Addresses

A dynamic IP address is an IP address that will change from time to time. For example, assume your IP address is 1.1.1.1. At some point in the future, it could be automatically changed to 2.2.2.2. That also means that if you have a server running on that IP, you will have to update everything to resolve to the new IP again. This is a big disadvantage of dynamic IP addresses.

For home IPs, dynamic addresses can be useful though. Say for example, if somebody attacks your home network, they would attack the wrong IP, as you already have a new one.

Static IP Addresses

A static IP address is an IP address which will never change, such as with your VULTR server. This is handy, because you won't have to update your domains to resolve to your new IP.

The disadvantage of a static IP address is that it will always stay the same, and thus a lot of companies will be able to track you, as they know it's you. After all, your IP never changes.

With providers such as VULTR, you will always get a static IP address. With your home ISP however, there is a chance that you will be given a dynamic IP address.