DHCP, or Dynamic Host Configuration Mechanism, is a protocol for allocating free IP addresses to machines connected to a network. Static IP is not too complicated; it simply implies that the IP address of a particular network device, such as a computer or router, remains constant throughout. The simplest way to do this is to configure the network card to use the same IP address. However, static IPs have limits, not to mention being tedious for the administrator. Therefore dynamic IPs are utilized instead.
DHCP vs Static IP
The main difference between DHCP and Static IP is that DHCP is a technology that automates the process of allocating IP addresses, while static IP is when a network device always receives the same IP address. Since most routers come with DHCP as a standard function, there’s no good reason not to utilize it when available. You can still use DHCP even if you have to use Static IPs.
An IP address may be automatically assigned to a computer or other networked device via the DHCP protocol, which stands for Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol. DHCP-assigned addresses on routers, switches, or servers simplify network administrators to set up and administer the network. A home router, wireless router, or switch with NAT/DHCP may be purchased and connected to each computer on the web to set up DHCP.
Static IP addresses, as the name implies, do not change. Weeks, months, or even years may pass without any changes being made. Companies that prefer static IPs are desired by companies providing dedicated internet services such as web hosting since they are fixed in nature. Manual assignment is used by Internet service providers (ISPs).
Comparison Table Between DHCP and Static IP
| Parameters Of Comparison | DHCP | Static IP |
| Definition | A DHCP address, otherwise called a unique Internet Protocol address, is an impermanent IP address gave to a gadget or hub when it interfaces with an organization. | A static IP address, otherwise called a static Internet Protocol address, is a numeric location that is physically given to an organization gadget. |
| Server | The DHCP server automatically assigns dynamic IP addresses. | The network administrator assigns static IP addresses manually. |
| Security | The DHCP address is more secure. | Less secure |
| Changes | Each time a device connects to the network, its dynamic IP address changes. | Once given to a device, a static IP address does not change. |
| Cost | More cost-effective. | Less cost-effective. |
What is DHCP?
Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) servers issue DHCP addresses. Additionally, it gives the device an IP address and a DNS server with a subnet mask. Selecting “get an IP address automatically” in the network properties box on a Microsoft PC will cause the device to acquire an IP address dynamically.
DHCP-assigned addresses on routers, switches, or servers simplify network administrators to set up and administer the network. A home router, wireless router, or switch with NAT/DHCP may be purchased and connected to each computer on the web to set up DHCP. It’s much simpler to manage a network when DHCP addressing is used. An ever-changing IP address is referred to as a dynamic one. A DHCP server must be set up and running on the network before dynamic IP addresses may be created. The DHCP server gives all devices connecting to the web a temporary IP address. IP addresses are assigned to network devices on a physical network using Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP). It distributes and updates IP addresses and other network configuration data automatically.
Assigning IP addresses to each machine on the network is tedious work for network managers, thus using DHCP saves them time. When configuring hundreds of devices, it takes a long time to do something that takes just a minute. The usage of DHCP by wireless access points means users no longer have to set up their computers before connecting manually.
What is Static IP?
A static IP address is given to a device by hand and cannot be changed. IP addresses were first assigned using this technique. In this case, the network administrator must manually enter the IP address for each machine on the network on the network setup page. In addition, the administrator must provide information like the subnet mask and the default gateway in the configuration file for the router. Furthermore, this procedure had to be followed by all of the network’s devices. If there are many devices on the web, assigning static IP addresses becomes challenging.
However, until the network administrator or Internet service provider makes a manual adjustment, a static IP address remains in place (ISP). In addition, the user’s IP address remains the same no matter how many times they connect to the network. To put it another way, the gadget always connects to the internet using the same IP address. It provides remote access with the least amount of downtime possible. Additionally, the user has access to the device from anywhere.
Having static IPs and figuring out which one isn’t in use is a massive pain for those who aren’t acquainted with the procedure. A static IP address may be assigned by associating it with the network card’s MAC address, different from the IP address.
Main Differences Between DHCP and Static IP
- DHCP is a technology that automates the process of allocating IP addresses, while static IP is when a network device always receives the same IP address.
- DHCP is mainly used for dynamic IP address assignment, although it may also be used for static IP address assignment.
- DHCP is utilized in wireless access points because static IP addresses would be too inconvenient.
- While DHCP is used in the majority of networks due to its simplicity, static IP addresses are still needed in certain situations.
- The DCHP address is more secure while the Static Ip address is less secure.
Conclusion
After analyzing DHCP versus static IP, it is clear that DHCP is the more popular choice for most customers due to its ease of deployment and lower cost. Having a static IP address and attempting to predict which IP address is accessible is inconvenient and time-consuming, particularly for those unfamiliar with the procedure. On the other hand, static IP addresses remain popular and helpful if you run a website from home, have a file server on your network, utilize networked printers, or use remote access software. Other devices can always find a device with a static IP address since it doesn’t change.
An IP address enables devices on a network to interact with one another. DHCP and Static are two different kinds of IP addresses. The fundamental difference between DHCP and static IP addresses is that a DHCP address is automatically given to a device by a DHCP server. In contrast, a static IP address is manually assigned to a device by a network administrator.
References
- https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/abstract/document/4428804/
- https://en.cnki.com.cn/Article_en/CJFDTotal-SJSJ200901022.htm