Understanding Dynamic vs Static IP Addressing. Which is More Beneficial?
The assignment of IP addresses is one of the core components of networking systems vital in confirming proper working of a networked device in the network and internet. The two primary types of IP addresses in use are dynamic IP addressing and the static IP addressing. Each has its own benefits and costs for serviceability which makes each useful in different conditions and situations.
Dynamic IP Addressing:
A Dynamic IP address is again assigned to the devices in the network automatically by a DHCP Server. This server manages the assignment of IPs in the specified range to devices that connect to the network segment.
Advantages of Dynamic IP Addressing:
Ease of Management: Most often, dynamic IP addressing is most efficient to a network administrator; especially in large organizations. DHCP server helps to minimize the administrative load in managing addressing since it helps to assign IP addresses automatically.
Scalability: Actually, dynamic IP addressing already defines an inherently scalable solution as large numbers of IP addresses can be handled instantly. As the network develops, the server is able to accommodate an increase in demand in terms of addresses without requiring much additional configuration.
Drawbacks of Dynamic IP Addressing:
Address Change: Dynamic IP can again become a new address every time a device re-connects to the network. This can be an issue for services that need an IP address to assigned to, for example when accessing a remote server or with certain security settings.
Static IP Addressing:
Dynamic IP addresses are used by the network administrator and are not the same as the dynamic IPs which change after a certain amount of time. Particularly the IP address that is assigned to each device in such a way that the device is permanently provided with that address any time it is to connect.
Advantages of Static IP Addressing:
Simplified Network Management: Generally, for large networks or when the access to certain devices or groups of devices has to be controlled, the use of static IP address is more beneficial for administrative purposes.
Drawbacks of Static IP Addressing:
Administrative Overhead: There is usually a lot of work in assigning individual IP address and managing them so as to reach all nodes in the network. There is an added probability of human mistakes, say, a mistake of addressing, which gives two different addresses to one individual.
In many regards, the application of dynamic and static IP addressing depend mainly on the needs of the networking job in a certain moment for specific devices in a network.
Dynamic IP address setting is also promising for most dynamic environments, for example in organizations with many devices that are temporarily connected to the network, hence we see most corporate networks using dynamic IP addressing since it is easy to manage and it optimizes use of IPs and is scalable. It also offers a major decrease in overheads and has great scalability to the developing properties of the network environment.
On the other hand, the static IP addressing is useful in environments that benefit most from stable and constant IP addresses such as in server farms or hosting services or any other highly important organizations.
