{"id":9678,"date":"2024-02-21T12:24:59","date_gmt":"2024-02-21T20:24:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/?p=9678"},"modified":"2026-06-16T03:21:20","modified_gmt":"2026-06-16T10:21:20","slug":"what-are-static-dynamic-dedicated-and-shared-ip-addresses","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/what-are-static-dynamic-dedicated-and-shared-ip-addresses\/","title":{"rendered":"Static vs. Dynamic IP Addresses: Different Types of IP Addresses Explained"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Should you be using a static or dynamic IP address? Which is better? And what\u2019s the deal with dedicated and shared IP addresses? We\u2019re not surprised you have questions.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Your IP address is much more than just a string of numbers, and you have various types to choose from. Let\u2019s run through everything you need to know about the different types of IP addresses, the pros and cons of each, and why switching your IP address with a VPN is the best option for your privacy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Get a shared IP address or dedicated IP address with PIA V<\/a>P<\/a>N<\/a> and get online with greater privacy. Connect to servers worldwide to mask your real IP address with another and keep your location concealed. Our VPN also encrypts your connection to stop snoopers from spying on your activities and tracing activity back to your real IP address.\u00a0<\/p><\/div>
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Table of Contents<\/h4>\nWhat Is an IP Address?<\/a>
\nWhat Are the Different Types of IP Addresses?<\/a>
\nStatic vs. Dynamic IP Addresses \u2014 Which One Should You Use?<\/a>
\nHow to Get a Static or Dynamic IP Address<\/a>
\nDo I Have a Static or Dynamic IP Address?<\/a>
\nStatic vs. Dynamic IP Addresses \u2014 Take Your Pick<\/a>
\nFAQ<\/a>
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What Is an IP Address?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

An Internet Protocol (IP) address is an identifier your ISP gives to you when you go online. It\u2019s a string of numbers and usually looks something like this: 69.89.31.226.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Your device needs an IP address to communicate with other servers on the internet. Whenever you access an app or open a website, that website examines your IP address to understand where you\u2019re connecting from and which ISP you\u2019re using. It will then decide whether to grant your request and give you access to the content you\u2019re looking for, or deny your request. This is why you can\u2019t always access certain websites from abroad. The site detects that you\u2019re trying to access it with an IP address from somewhere else, and if it\u2019s from a location where the site isn\u2019t available, you won\u2019t get access.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Alongside your approximate location and network provider, IP addresses can reveal your device type or operating system and the browser you\u2019re using. Essentially, IP addresses are part of your online identity. They don\u2019t expose your personal information, but everything you do online can be traced back to your IP address, including your search queries and frequently visited web pages. People can then use this information to digitally profile you and work out who and where you are.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

IP addresses vary depending on where you go and what network you connect to. For example, your IP address at home is different from your IP address at work or when you\u2019re connected to your mobile data provider because you\u2019re using a different network and ISP. It also changes if you travel to another country, as your IP address is tied to your location.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Are the Different Types of IP Addresses?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n
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Public vs. Private IP Addresses<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Each device on your network has both a public and private IP address. Your ISP assigns your router or modem a public IP address so you can go online. This is visible to others on the internet. It\u2019s what websites see when you open their pages, for example. Public IP addresses can either be dynamic or static, which we\u2019ll explore in more detail below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Your private IP address is unique to your device \u2013 it\u2019s how your router identifies which device on the network has requested what information and knows what data to send you. No-one else can see this private IP address.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Dynamic IP Address<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Most ISPs assign you a dynamic IP address by default using a system called Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP). This means your IP address could change whenever you go online. It might also change if you reset or restart your device.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Your IP address changes automatically, so you don\u2019t need to do anything. Since the address changes frequently, it can make it more difficult to link activity back to a single IP address or pinpoint where you are.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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