How to get a dynamic IP address, and why you might want one!

This article will explain how to get a dynamic IP address and during which circumstances you might need one.

In our last article about Internet Protocol addresses, we covered the topic of static IP addresses. We covered what they are, the common advantages of using one, and how you can set one up.

In this article, though, we’re looking at the opposite - dynamic Internet Protocol addresses. Like in our article about static IPs, we’ll analyze why you might want to purchase such an address to connect through or host your website or server.

We’ll also talk about how you can have a dynamic IP address for yourself and how they are commonly used. We hope this article helps you!

What is a dynamic IP?

Okay, so let’s start out by explaining what a dynamic IP address is in the first place. Of course, we’ve covered this in greater detail in some of our other articles, which are definitely worth reading if you have any intentions of setting up a dynamic IP address. However, we’ll revise it quickly here.

An IP address fundamentally defines the identity and connection type of any computer - or server - on a network. These addresses are not only used to communicate through Ethernet cables and on networks where computers are wired in a local region.

They are also used across the internet to send requests and receive data between computers and servers connected to data centers. IP addresses are fundamentally important to the entire internet and how transmissions are made!

Usually, when you purchase internet from an internet service provider, your network is given an Internet Protocol address with which you can communicate with other computers and servers on the internet!

This IP address is almost always called “dynamic”. This means that it does not stay the same over time. In fact, it can change over the months and years, it can be modified by your internet service provider for their convenience or if they need to shuffle their customers’ IP addresses around for whatever reason, and it can even be changed if you turn off or unplug your router and turn it back on again.

This is much more affordable and convenient for your internet service provider than assigning everyone a static IP that never changes.

Advantages of Having a Dynamic IP

There are several advantages to having a dynamic IP over a static one.

Affordable prices

When you have a dynamic Internet Protocol address, you’ll end up paying a lot less than if you were to have a static one.

This is because it is a lot more costly and inconvenient for your internet service provider to assign static IPs rather than dynamic ones. You will also not have to go through such a long setup process if you want a dynamic IP. When you’re getting a static IP, you’ll probably have to specifically request it for customer support, and it can take a couple of days - or even more time to wait - before the new Internet Protocol address will be in place.

Simple and easy to manage

Furthermore, with a dynamic IP, there is a lot less complexity, and it is much easier to change your router's settings without being shown a ton of advanced options that you don’t need or care about.

Of course, with a static IP, you have a lot more flexibility and control over your IP address and an internet connection, but for most people, you do not even need this! However, if you want an Internet Protocol address with versatile options for controlling and modifying it, such as using your home network for web experiments or intensive experimental processes, a static IP address would be ideal.

Faster internet speeds

Additionally, static IP addresses tend to have a faster internet connection, but this is generally only a marginal difference, and your internet browsing experience will barely be affected in any way by the type of IP address you have.

Therefore, if you are looking for simplicity and a decent browsing experience when connecting to the internet, a dynamic Internet Protocol address will be what you are looking for.

As well as paying less and getting more immediate access to the internet without having to talk to any customer support reps or hang around waiting for it to be approved, you can also have reasonable, straightforward control of your IP address and router settings without being shown any advanced options that you might not fully understand or not at all.

How to get a dynamic IP address

Getting a dynamic Internet Protocol address is very simple, and chances are you already have one. You do not need to bother contacting your internet service provider or making any special requests.

Of course, if you want a static IP to get those alternative advantages of slightly faster internet and greater in-depth control over your internet connection, then you’ll need to go through a bit of a process to get there.

But, with a dynamic IP, you’re basically guaranteed to be assigned one with any standard internet service provider’s package, and they are very cheap.

Setup will require minimal interference on your end, and it is almost all controlled and managed by the internet service provider you chose for your router. A dynamic Internet Protocol address will, of course, change over time.

The string of digits is likely to change if you turn off your router and turn it back on again or if there is a power cut. It can also change according to your internet service provider’s choices and for their convenience, but overall this affects very few people.

You don’t really need to worry about your Internet Protocol address changing because it is simply a way of connecting you to the internet. In almost all cases, you won’t lose anything when it is changed!

Epilogue

In this article, we covered what a dynamic Internet Protocol address is, why you might want one and what the advantages are, and how you can get one - which doesn’t require any input from your end. We hope this article helped you, and thank you for reading!