Static Internet Protocol

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What Does Static Internet Protocol Mean?

A static Internet Protocol (static IP) address is an address that does not change over time, but is assigned specifically to one computer or device. The alternative to static IP addresses is dynamic IP addresses, which are temporarily assigned. Both of these addresses come in the form of a "dotted quad," or four numbers delineated by periods, which are commonly recognized by networks and servers.

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Techopedia Explains Static Internet Protocol

Many users who rely on a conventional Internet service provider or ISP for online access are assigned a dynamic IP. However, in some cases, a static IP will offer additional benefit. Some types of use, such as VoIP calling, may require a static IP. Some network devices also have trouble recognizing a dynamic IP. This makes a static IP valuable for a user or business that needs a permanent IP assignment, which may be required for making FTP connections or in other networking situations.

Users with multiple devices in a home or local area network may want to assign a static IP address to each device. How this is done depends on the operating system being used.

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Margaret Rouse
Technology expert
Margaret Rouse
Technology expert

Margaret is an award-winning writer and educator known for her ability to explain complex technical topics to a non-technical business audience. Over the past twenty years, her IT definitions have been published by Que in an encyclopedia of technology terms and cited in articles in the New York Times, Time Magazine, USA Today, ZDNet, PC Magazine, and Discovery Magazine. She joined Techopedia in 2011. Margaret’s idea of ​​a fun day is to help IT and business professionals to learn to speak each other’s highly specialized languages.