There are different types of IP addresses based on their allocation and usage, including static and dynamic IP addresses. Here’s an overview:
- Static IP Address: A static IP address is manually assigned to a device and remains unchanged over time. It is typically configured manually by a network administrator or through a configuration interface provided by an internet service provider (ISP). Static IP addresses are often used for servers, network equipment, and devices that require consistent and permanent connectivity.
- Dynamic IP Address: A dynamic IP address is assigned to a device by a DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) server automatically. The DHCP server dynamically assigns available IP addresses from a pool of addresses when a device connects to a network. Dynamic IP addresses are temporary and subject to change each time a device reconnects to the network or when the DHCP lease expires. Dynamic IP addressing is commonly used for home networks and in scenarios where IP addresses are shared among multiple devices.
- Public IP Address: A public IP address is a unique address assigned to a device that is connected directly to the internet. It allows the device to communicate with other devices on the internet. Public IP addresses are provided by ISPs and are used to identify devices on a global scale. Websites, servers, and other internet-facing devices typically have public IP addresses.
- Private IP Address: A private IP address is used within a private network and is not directly accessible from the public internet. Private IP addresses are reserved for use on local networks and are not unique globally. They allow devices within a network to communicate with each other without requiring a public IP address for each device. Common private IP address ranges include:
- Class A: 10.0.0.0 to 10.255.255.255
- Class B: 172.16.0.0 to 172.31.255.255
- Class C: 192.168.0.0 to 192.168.255.255
- Reserved IP Addresses: There are also reserved IP address ranges that are not routable on the public internet and have specific purposes. These include loopback addresses (e.g., 127.0.0.1) used for local testing and documentation addresses (e.g., 192.0.2.0/24) used in documentation and examples.
It’s important to note that static and dynamic IP addresses are not mutually exclusive. A device can have a dynamic IP address assigned through DHCP but still maintain the same IP address over an extended period if the DHCP lease is renewed consistently. Conversely, a device with a static IP address can be manually configured to use a different IP address when needed.
The choice between static and dynamic IP addresses depends on factors such as the specific requirements of the device or network, the need for consistent connectivity, and the network management practices in place.