In this text, we will introduce the types of IP. IP stands for Internet Protocol, which sends and receives data in computer networks. Every device that connects to the Internet has a unique IP address to communicate with other devices on the network. An IP address comprises four main parts, each separated by a dot. In general, IP addresses are divided into two categories: IPv4 and IPv6. In IPv4, the IP address consists of four numerical parts. Each part can be between 0 and 255. For example, IP address An example of an IP address can be 192—Types168.1.1, which is usually used to access devices that are on our internal network. In IPv6, the IP address consists of 8 alphanumeric parts, each part can be between 0 and FFFF.
IP types
Types of IP can be examined from different aspects. In the following, we will discuss the two main categories.
1- Fixed IP
Using a fixed IP or Static IP for some specific needs has advantages, some of which are mentioned below:
Access to Internet services
Using static IP In some Internet services, such as cloud services, you need a static IP. In this way, you can directly access the desired services.
Network Security
In some security and surveillance systems, it is necessary for devices to have fixed IPs so that they can be continuously connected to central servers and send information continuously.
Access to devices outside the local network
Using a static IP on local computer networks connected to the Internet can help you access devices outside the local network. By using a static IP, you can directly access devices that are on other networks.
technical support
In some cases, using a static IP helps network technical support. By having a fixed IP, technical support can better help determine and resolve problems.
Use of VOIP services
In some video telephony (VoIP) services, using a static IP can help connect others.
Running web services and servers
In some web services and servers, static IP can help users access the desired servers directly.
Review and monitoring
In some monitoring and investigation needs, using static IP is advantageous. With a static IP, it is possible to continuously monitor devices on the network. In this way, if a problem occurs, you can react quickly.
Overall, using a static IP for specific needs has benefits that may be important to you. However, it should be noted that the cost of defining static IP is higher than dynamic IP. Also, you may need more technical knowledge to set up and support dedicated IPs.
2- Dynamic IP
The IP address is not always fixed and may change over time. In networks that use dynamic IP, an IP address is automatically assigned from a Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) pool. This way, every time the device connects to the network, its IP address may change. However, in networks that use static IP, the IP address of the devices is fixed and always remains the same.
Using Dynamic IP also has advantages for some specific needs, some of which we mention below:
lower cost
Using a dynamic IP is less expensive for normal users because there is no need to pay extra to define a static IP.
Ease of adjustment
Dynamic IP is automatically assigned from DHCP servers, and there is no need to define IP manually. This can help to simplify and speed up the installation and configuration of devices.
Privacy protection
Using such IP types can help you maintain your privacy. Because if the IP is changed, it becomes more difficult for other people to access your device.
Network Security
A dynamic IP can help with network security because periodically changing the IP address makes it harder for attackers to attack your device. As such, it takes more effort to penetrate your network.
Better control
By periodically changing the IP address, you can better control when and with what IP address your device connects to the Internet. As a result, you can better control bandwidth consumption and network security.
technical support
In some cases, it is better to use a dynamic IP for technical support because by periodically changing the IP address, technical support can better help determine and solve problems.
The possibility of accessing the Internet with all kinds of devices
These IP types lets you easily connect and use the Internet with devices such as mobile phones, tablets, and laptops.
Overall, using dynamic IP also has advantages for specific needs that may be important to you. However, it should be noted that it may be better to use a static IP in some cases, such as surveillance and security systems. Also, in some situations, it may become difficult to access devices and services located on your local network due to the periodic change of IP address.
3- Shared IP
A shared IP is an Internet Protocol (IP) address used by multiple websites or domains on a single server. When a web hosting provider assigns a shared IP address to a server, multiple websites can use that IP address to host their web content. This is in contrast to a dedicated IP address assigned to a single website or domain.
In a shared IP environment, all websites with the same IP address are associated with that same server and may have the same geographical location. This can sometimes result in issues related to website performance or search engine optimization, as the actions of other websites sharing the same IP address can impact the reputation and ranking of all sites sharing that IP.
However, shared IP addresses are often less expensive than dedicated IP addresses and can be a cost-effective solution for smaller websites or those with lower traffic volume. Additionally, shared IP addresses can provide an added layer of security, making it more difficult for hackers to target a specific website or domain.
Some Disadvantages of Shared IP
There are a few disadvantages to using a shared IP address:
Reputation
All websites sharing the same IP address are associated with that address. If one website on the shared IP address is involved in spamming or other malicious activities, it can negatively impact the reputation of all other websites sharing that IP address. This can result in email delivery issues or decreased search engine rankings.
Performance
If one website on a shared IP address experiences a sudden spike in traffic, it can affect the performance of all other websites sharing that same IP address. The server resources are shared among all websites on the server, so a sudden increase in traffic to one website can cause slower loading times for other websites.
Security
If one website on these IP types is compromised, it can put all other websites sharing that IP address at risk. Hackers can use the vulnerable website to access the server and potentially access or damage data from other websites on the server.
Flexibility
Shared IP addresses may not be as flexible as dedicated IP addresses. For example, if a website requires a dedicated SSL certificate, it may need a dedicated IP address to support it.
In summary, shared IP addresses can be cost-effective for smaller websites or those with lower traffic volume. Still, they come with disadvantages, such as potential reputation and performance issues, security risks, and lack of flexibility.
4- Dedicated IP
A dedicated IP address is an Internet Protocol (IP) address that is assigned exclusively to a single website or domain. This means that the IP address is not shared with any other websites or domains on the same server.
A dedicated IP address is typically required for websites that use certain features, such as SSL/TLS certificates, which require a unique IP address to function properly. It can also be useful for websites requiring more control over their server’s firewall or running custom applications or scripts.
One advantage of using a dedicated IP address is that it can help to improve website performance and speed by providing a more direct and reliable connection between the website and the server. Additionally, a dedicated IP address can provide better security and reduce the risk of other websites on the same server impacting the reputation or performance of a website.
However, dedicated IP addresses are typically more expensive than shared IP addresses. They may also be less flexible, as they may require additional configuration or setup to work properly.
Some Advantages of dedicated IP
In addition to the advantages mentioned earlier, there are a few other benefits of using a dedicated IP address:
Email delivery
A dedicated IP address can help improve email deliverability, as it provides a unique IP address for sending emails. This can help avoid email delivery issues when sharing an IP address with other websites.
SEO
While it is disputed, some SEO experts argue that having a dedicated IP address can help improve search engine rankings. This is because a dedicated IP address can provide more control over server settings and configuration, impacting website performance and speed.
Access control
With a dedicated IP address, website owners have more control over access to their servers. They can configure their server’s firewall to allow access only from specific IP addresses, providing an additional layer of security.
Brand reputation
A dedicated IP address can help to build a brand reputation by providing a unique identity and separate online presence for a website. This can benefit larger businesses or those with a strong online presence.
In summary, a dedicated IP address can provide improved email delivery, potential SEO benefits, access control, and brand reputation. However, it is important to consider the cost and potential limitations when deciding whether a dedicated IP address is necessary for a website.