Static or Dynamic IP address

[Eee-Tee]

As a 'general' user, ie. web brousing, email, which type of Ip address would I need? Under which circumstances is a static one required (ie for what purposes?)

[pangea33]

Static IPs are most commonly used when you're behind a firewall/router, and need to forward certain types of traffic to a specific computer on your network. Things like a machine running a web or ftp server, certain types of file sharing, and some multiplayer games. Static IPs are also utilized when file and print sharing is used on your LAN, but NetBIOS over TCP/IP is disabled in order to increase security. Dynamic IPs are most convenient when machines are coming and going, like when using wireless for connection to visitor's notebooks. I prefer to use static IPs for all my desktop machines, even if DHCP is enabled. Sounds like a homework question.

[classicsoftware]

Sort of a question you can't really answer. If you are talking about locally in your own private network, then variable is correct. If you are speaking about the Internet, your ISP determines if you have a static or Dynamic IP address.

[pangea33]

classicsoftware, were you agreeing with me in a certain instance, but just referring to me as the user variable? I think that's the case, rather than you referring to "variable IPs" or something. Sometimes it's difficult to ascertain that we're reading usernames, since so many of us choose not to capitalize them.

[rond36]

When I had SDSL My IP was static but now that I have cable internet I have a dynamic IP but in a sense it is static because when the lease expires (every 4 days) I am always assigned the same IP address, default gateway, and DNS servers when the DHCP server renews the lease.

For general use either type is fine but dynamic is the easiest to setup.

A static IP would be required if you are running an internet server ie; web, FTP, DNS, DHCP or the PC is part of a LAN that doesn't have a DHCP server.

[PrntRhd]

For general users, DHCP works fine.
Static is much better if a server function is being provided (FTP, print server, etc).

[classicsoftware]

classicsoftware, were you agreeing with me in a certain instance, but just referring to me as the user variable? I think that's the case, rather than you referring to "variable IPs" or something. Sometimes it's difficult to ascertain that we're reading usernames, since so many of us choose not to capitalize them.

Just a brain freeze.......

Sorry....

[Variable]

I was correct and didn't even post !

[PrntRhd]

Variable,
If you had posted a reply, I am certain you would have been correct!
I think that would be called a Free Pass.

:D :D