As you probably know, an IP address is a unique series of numbers that identifies each device on the Internet or in a local network.
There are private and public addresses, with the former being assigned to your device to communicate with others within your internal network and not seen outside of it.
On the other hand, the public IP address is assigned by your Internet Service Provider (ISP) and it’s used to identify your device on the internet so that others can communicate with you.
This public IP address can be dynamic or static (also known as dedicated), with the best VPNs offering both options.
Dynamic vs. Static IP addresses
As its name says, a dynamic IP address changes regularly and automatically. Most users get a dynamic IP address, which typically changes every 24 hours. Also, it will likely change every time you reset your router. ISPs must do this as they have a limited number of IP addresses.
In contrast, a static (or dedicated) IP address doesn’t change and remains consistent. Most users don’t need a static IP address except if they need it for business purposes.
For instance, the company you’re working for may whitelist specific IP addresses to allow access to the company’s servers. If this is the case, you will need a static IP address.
Here, a good VPN can help as many of these offer static (dedicated) IP addresses that you can then share with your company’s admins and ask them to whitelist you for required access to the network’s resources.
Also, with a static IP address, you can allow others to connect to your device to access the services you provide.
Your IP address can travel with you
If you’re getting an IP address from a VPN service, it could travel with you.
But even then, you don’t always have to use the same IP address. Once you’re done with your business, you can connect to some other (VPN) server to get a new (dynamic) IP address.
Or, you may get a different static/dedicated IP address for other purposes. Which brings us to the next question…
Which one should you use – a dynamic or static IP address?
For most users, a dynamic IP address is better — except when they need a static IP address for business purposes. With a VPN, they get to choose between the two different IP address types and switch between them during the day.
So, when you need a static IP address, turn that feature on and then later – once you’re done with work (for instance) – just connect to a different server and get a dynamic IP address.
Also, it is worth noting that static IP addresses are not free and tend to come with a price tag of at least a few dollars per month. In that sense, you should determine for yourself — based on what you need — whether you need that extra cost.
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To sum it up – with a good VPN, you get the freedom to choose between a static and dynamic IP address while also protecting your privacy along the way. We strongly believe that everyone should be using a VPN these days, and in order to get started – hop over to our page with Best of the Best VPNs and take it from there.