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DHCP vs. Static IP: Comparison & Key Differences

Every device on a network has a unique identification number following the IP protocol, which makes it the industry standard for networking devices like routers and network switches to communicate with one another. Generally, there are 2 types of IP addresses based on their permanency — static and dynamic. Both of them have their distinctive qualities, but which is better?

What is the difference between static and DHCP IP addresses? Let’s explore this small guide from Expert Tech to find the ideal answer to this question.

What is a Static IP Address?

Having enterprise-grade network solutions and the proper functioning IP addresses is a great advantage for every luxury home in New York City and Brooklyn. An ongoing IP address that remains the same even after a device reset is known as a static IP address.

A server’s static IP address is often given to host a website and offer email, VPN, and FTP services. You should take into account the unique qualities of the static IP address. First, it needs to be manually configured, and each device on the network has a unique address under the static IP address. Let’s look at the advantages of static IP addresses.

Benefits of Static IP

A significant advantage of adopting a static IP address is the capacity to host servers that other computers can reach using their internet connection.

Let’s get to know the main advantages of using a static IP address:

  • Static IP addresses feature better DNS support and are considerably simpler to set up and manage.
  • Clients can discover you via DNS more quickly if you have a static IP address.
  • Using a Virtual Private Network or other remote access software is simpler with a static IP address.
  • Static IP addresses make it easier to conduct teleconferences using Speech over Internet Protocol.
  • Services can link an IP address to a specific place with a static IP address.

What is DHCP?

Now let’s learn more about DHCP. Network devices are configured for IP network communication via a mechanism known as the Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol. Without an operational DHCP server on the network, it is impossible to create a dynamic IP address, which is one that frequently changes.

Using DHCP, IP addresses for physical network devices can be automatically and dynamically assigned. It provides a method for automatically updating and distributing IP addresses and other configuration data over the whole network. What are the advantages of DHCP?

Benefits of DHCP

DHCP servers have several benefits compared to older techniques for obtaining IP addresses. The attributes a DHCP server can provide are as follows:

  • Autonomous IP address management that prevents duplicate IP address problems.
  • DHCP enables the administrator to set lease times even with manually allocated IP addresses.
  • Permits limit the MAC addresses that dynamic IP addresses can serve.
  • Allows the administrator to set up DHCP connection server types other than BOOTP.
  • Enables the creation of a pool of IP addresses for dynamic allocation. The pool might need to be a complete network or subnet for a user’s server.
  • Enables a minimum of two dynamic IP address pools on different IP networks to be connected.

Key Differences Between DHCP and Static IP

You are now aware of both their benefits. In simple terms, the main difference between DHCP and Static IP is that the first one employs technology to assign IP addresses automatically, whilst the second describes the circumstance in which a network device always receives the same IP address.

DHCP VS Static IP?

  • DHCP is a technology used to assign free IP addresses to networked computers, while Static IP is a straightforward concept; it simply means that a specific network device, like a computer or router, will always have the same IP address.
  • Since DHCP is typically a common feature on routers, there isn’t a solid reason not to use it. Even if you have to utilize static IP addresses, you can still use DHCP.
  • The DHCP address is more cost-efficient and secure.
  • Network devices with static IP addresses can always use the same IP address, but a network administrator must keep track of every device with a static IP address to prevent it from being reused.
  • Static IP addresses must be manually configured, so using them without a solid understanding of TCP/IP might lead to network problems.

Final Thoughts: Which One is the Better IP?

Proper IP addressing is necessary to connect devices on a network. So which is better, DHCP or static IP? 

Network managers benefit from DHCP because it effectively handles the time-consuming operation of allocating a special IP address to each connected device. Additionally, DHCP is used by wireless access points, which eliminates the requirement for managers to set up their devices manually.

Additionally, DHCP is more desirable because it is less expensive and needs less maintenance than static IP addresses. All in all, based on the advice of professional technicians at Expert Tech, getting DHCP might give you more benefits than getting a static IP address.

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