An IP address is uniquely assigned to each device on the network. Much like a street address is used in order to determine where a package is going, an IP address determines where a packet is sent.
So how does an IP address work with a static and dynamic IP and how do they differ? When you add a computer to a network they are given each their own IP address to which they can be identified on the network.
If a device is assigned a static IP address, the address will not be changed. Often Web and FTP servers use a static IP address as it promotes a reliable method to reach an assigned host name. Some benefits of using a static IP address include faster download/upload speeds in comparison to dynamic IPs, and geolocation accuracy.
A dynamic IP address is automatically assigned by the network and usually changes. Benefits of using a dynamic IP include: Security, costs and fast networking configuration. Using a dynamic IP address can prove immensely beneficial where you have a large LAN network. In order to configure a dynamic IP automatically it requires a DHCP server to obtain your IP address. The DHCP configures the IP address automatically which overall saves on time by not having to configure each computer manually.
How can I check to see if I have a static or dynamic IP on Windows?
If you are on a PC, open the command prompt and type the command “ipconfig /all” without the quotations and hit enter. Next to the DHCP enabled there will be a “Yes” or “No” depending upon the static or dynamic IP configuration. A “Yes” means you are using a dynamic IP address and a “No” means you have a static IP address.
Having trouble with your network? Contact Kitsap Networking for many of our troubleshooting services at (360)-516-6741.
Comments