Static IP - benefits of configuring connection as Static IP vs DHCPv4?

kosymodo · 26 Apr 2024 at 14:32

I've recently changed my FTTP provider, and opted to receive a static IP. Previously I was connecting via PPPoE, now I can opt to configure as either DHCPv4 or Static IP. However, if I opt for Static IP, I need to enter the Subnet Mask and Gateway IP.

What would the benefit be to configuring as Static IP over DHCPv4, when the IP received is going to be static anyway? My (ignorant) thinking is configuring as DHCPv4 will have exactly the same result, as the DHCP server will be handing me the same IP each time anyway?

Sinbad2000 · 26 Apr 2024 at 14:35

No benefit. Just use DHCP, it's less management overhead on your side, and if your ISP does need to change your IP for whatever reason, it's seamless(ish) for you.

kosymodo · 26 Apr 2024 at 14:42

Thanks!

OK, so my next question has got to be... Why have the option to configure the connection as Static IP, if the DHCPv4 option has the same result? :confused:

Sinbad2000 · 26 Apr 2024 at 14:43

kosymodo said:
Thanks!

OK, so my next question has got to be... Why have the option to configure the connection as Static IP, if the DHCPv4 option has the same result?

Because you may be on a connection that has no DHCP service available in which case you'd need to set it all up yourself.

Caged · 26 Apr 2024 at 14:44

It's possible that your ISP doesn't actually let you define the static IP and insists on you getting the address via DHCP, even if it's a static

kosymodo · 26 Apr 2024 at 14:48

Sinbad2000 said:
Because you may be on a connection that has no DHCP service available in which case you'd need to set it all up yourself.

Ah, makes sense!

kosymodo · 26 Apr 2024 at 14:49

Caged said:
It's possible that your ISP doesn't actually let you define the static IP and insists on you getting the address via DHCP, even if it's a static

Yeah I guess so. I know I'm overthinking this, so will leave it as it is!

The1nonly1 · 26 Apr 2024 at 20:17

I used to have to configure my static IP manually on the router but they switched to DHCP their side so I changed router to DHCP and that's how I get my static IP now.

dlockers · 26 Apr 2024 at 20:19

Pointless. Reverse proxy ftw

Quartz · 26 Apr 2024 at 20:24

kosymodo said:
What would the benefit be to configuring as Static IP over DHCPv4,

Are you running servers or anything at home? Do you need to connect to your home PCs when you are away from home? If the answer to either is yes then you will benefit from a static IP.

dlockers · 26 Apr 2024 at 20:27

Quartz said:
Are you running servers or anything at home? Do you need to connect to your home PCs when you are away from home? If the answer to either is yes then you will benefit from a static IP.

DNS called and said it isn't 1980

Quartz · 26 Apr 2024 at 20:32

dlockers said:
DNS called and said it isn't 1980

You still have to go through hoops these days. And possibly spend money. Having a static IP address makes it simpler.

kosymodo · 30 Apr 2024 at 10:26

Quartz said:
Are you running servers or anything at home? Do you need to connect to your home PCs when you are away from home? If the answer to either is yes then you will benefit from a static IP.

Yeah I am, and that's why I ordered a static IP. However, that wasn't what I was asking. I was asking about the benefits of configuring the connection type as Static IP, rather than DHCPv4. Subtle difference!

Orcvader · 30 Apr 2024 at 14:58

kosymodo said:
Yeah I am, and that's why I ordered a static IP. However, that wasn't what I was asking. I was asking about the benefits of configuring the connection type as Static IP, rather than DHCPv4. Subtle difference!

It's not needed these days as the static IP is usually assigned on the ISP side. It was the case years ago when you had to set it up on your end.