What are the advantages and disadvantages of having a static ISP?

Question

I have one.

Answer 1

The advantage to a static IP is that it never changes. This means that you can set up options such as remote access or host a web page. It also makes it faster to do p2p downloads as the address does not change.

The disadvantage to a static IP is that it never changes. If someone where to hack into your computer, they would be able to continue doing so since the address never changes. It would also make it easier to tell who you are, as the address never changes.

Answer 2

Every computer on the internet must have an IP address. IP address is a unique idenitty for a computer. Without a way to uniquely identify each computer on the internet it won't be possible to send the correct data to correct computer. Whenever you dial-up and connect to your ISP network, your computer is assigned an IP address from a pool of IP addresses that your ISP has set aside for dynamic IP address assignment. When an IP address is assigned in such a way from the pool, it is marked as 'in use' and won't be reused again until it is 'released'. When you disconnect (hang up) your connection, the IP address assigned to your computer is marked again as 'release' or available and it can be assigned to the next user who connects to the network. For most client computers (the computers used in home where you only use browser, IM or other internet applications on a desktop PC), dynamic IP address is all that is required. If on the other hand you are running a server (like a Web Server for example) you need a static IP address. Static IP addresses are usually assigned by ISPs where the connection always stays on (you don't have to disconnect). In such cases the IP address of the computer will never change. If you are a consumer using internet to browse web pages and use IM, a dynamic IP address is all you'll ever need. Don't worry about the dynamic IP address, it is automatically taken care of by your ISP when you connect (no matter you are using a dial-up or a broadband connection.)

Answer 3

It is best to let your DSL/ADSL Router assign the private IP address to your PC's on the LAN.

That way you get the full functionallity of the router.