What's the difference between a static IP address and a dynamic one?

Question

I've been thinking that a Dynamic IP is where multiple computers can use the same IP and Static is where only one may use it. Am I right?

Hmm...Well, SBC has a 5 Static IP and a 1 Dynamic IP, so I'm not sure...BTW I'm talking about DSL.

Answer 1

STATIC IP Address is one where you will have to input and decide the address yourself according to your network's settings. This can be found under network connections> local area connection> properties> internet protocol (tcp/ip)> use the following ip address. It is a PERMANENT ADDRESS in the network.

while the DYNAMIC IP Address is where you will choose "obtain an IP address automatically" in the internet protocol (tcp/ip) settings. Here, the router/modem (if it has a DHCP server) will choose the settings of your IP address, subnet mask, and gateway automatically so you won't have to worry about a single thing! IT MAY CHANGE everytime you connect to the network.

hope this helps!

Answer 2

For most of the things on your internal network you are better using a dynamic address. The difference is that one does not change when you disconnect or reboot and the other can. Some things might need special configuration (port forwarding for instance) and then they are better with a static address. The disadvantage of a static address is that it can overlap with another dynamic ip and cause confusion unless you configure it carefully to be well away from the dynamic block of numbers. But a correctly set up static address should not have become dynamic on a reboot. Take a look to see what you did wrong if it needs to be static.

Answer 3

Static IP is when there is one IP that the computer or client logs onto the router with.
Dynamic IP is the big IP address that the router allows many computers to surf the internet under.

Think of it this way, the computers all have their own little IP's that log into the router. And the router has one BIG IP addy assigned by your Internet Service Provider

Answer 4

If by use you meant "at different times" then you are probably got the idea right, but if you meant "at the same time" then you are deadly wrong, any IP cannot be active in more than one computer at any given time; a static one is permanently assigned by hand to one computer while a dynamic one is managed by a central server in a pool of IPs and assign in a first-come-first-served basis to one computer under the control of the central.

Answer 5

Typically this refers to the IP address assigned to you by your ISP.

A dynamic address means that the IP address will probably be different every time you connect to them. Not such a big deal if you're just doing home networking and such.

A static IP address means that every time you connect, you get the same IP address. This is important if you serve information from your home computer and want other machines to always fine you.

(Of course, with Dynamic IP addresses, you could use services that allow others to always find you, but that costs money.)