What is a Static IP Address?

An IP address that is manually configured and remains constant over time.

Detailed Explanation

Static IP addresses are permanently assigned to a device and don't change unless manually reconfigured. They're commonly used for servers, network equipment, and devices that need to be consistently accessible at the same address. While more stable, static IPs require careful management to avoid conflicts and must be manually configured on each device.

Examples

  • Web servers need static IPs for consistent DNS mapping
  • Network printers often use static IPs for easy access
  • VPN endpoints typically have static IP configurations