Why You Should Always Use a Static IP Address on Your Home Network and Here's How to Add It
When you connect to your Wi-Fi network from any device, whether it's your mobile phone, laptop, or even a smart TV, that device automatically receives an IP address.
This is necessary so that it can communicate with other computers within the network and also with the outside world via the Internet. Without an IP address, it would be impossible to send and receive data, which means you wouldn’t be able to browse the web, send emails, or stream videos.
An Internet Protocol (IP) address is a unique identifier assigned to each device that connects to a network. It is worth noting that there are two main types: dynamic and static.
- Differences between dynamic IP address and static IP address
A dynamic IP address is one that changes every time a device connects to the network. This happens because your router's DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) server automatically assigns an available IP address when a new device connects.
This type of IP is very common in most home networks, because it simplifies connection management. You don't need to configure anything manually; the system does it for you.
On the other hand, a static IP address is one that never changes, no matter how many times you connect or disconnect from the network. This IP address is manually configured and permanently assigned to a specific device within the network.
- How does a static IP address work and what is its purpose?
It is worth noting that when you configure a static IP address, you ensure that this device will always have the same IP address within your network. This is especially useful in situations where you need a stable connection.
For example, if you have a network storage device (NAS), a network printer, or even a game server, having this type of IP ensures that you can always access these services without having to search for the new IP address that was dynamically assigned to it.
It is also necessary if you want to configure advanced features on your network, such as port forwarding. This is necessary if you need to be able to access certain equipment from outside your home network, such as when you want to access your computer from work, for example.
- Why you should set up a static IP address
Although it may seem at first glance that dynamic IP addresses are more convenient, there are several reasons why you might consider setting up static IP addresses for some or all of the devices on your home network. This can be useful in several situations, such as:
1. Remote Access: If you want to access a device on your network from outside your home (for example, to control a security camera or file server), you'll need a static IP address so you can always find it.
2. Network Services: If you have a web server, game server, or any other service running on your network, a static IP address will make it easier to access from other devices.
3. Port Forwarding: If you need to open certain ports on your router to allow access to certain services or applications, this will also help you ensure that port forwarding always works properly.
4. Hostnames: Some computers, such as printers or network storage systems (NAS), may have hostnames instead of IP addresses. In this case, a static IP address can make it easier to connect to these devices, as you won’t have to look up their addresses every time.
- How to set up a static IP address
Setting up a static IP address is not complicated, as you can do it from your router settings. Open a web browser and go to the address 192.168.1.1, enter your credentials, find the IP or DHCP section, and assign static IP addresses to the devices you want.
Now you know that using a static IP address on your home network provides advantages, as it makes it easier to access devices such as network storage and improves file transfers, in addition to simplifying the management of advanced services and remote connections.
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