Is it better to have a static IP address if you want to view your security system from a remote area, or can you use your standard dynamic IP address which is provided to you by your service provider to do the same thing?
This is a question many people would like to answer to, so we will investigate to see if it is necessary to pay more for a static IP address or not. We will take a look at the benefits of having one, as well as the difference between a dynamic and a static IP address.
Stay with us and find out whether it is better to have a static IP address for your security camera at your home or place of work.
What is an IP Address?
Before we are able to decide whether or not we need a static IP address, we first need to find out what an IP address is. This is a standard identification that is used to connect to a device so that anyone can communicate with it via the internet.
Any device that is connected to the internet has an IP address so that other devices can communicate with it. When you configure a device that you want to connect to the internet to receive and send any data, it will receive an IP address.
Now that we know that an IP address is a way to identify the devices that are communicating with each other over the internet, let’s look further.
What is a Static IP Address?
Without us going into too much technical detail, we will try to describe what a static IP address really is. A static IP address is an identification that is manually configured or allocated to a specific device, such as a server or computer.
This simply means that wherever you go, your device will be accessible from any remote site no matter what network you may be using. This is great for using on a security system that does not need to be renamed and will stay the same forever.
Let’s take a look at whether you need to have a static IP address for your security camera to work better.
Do You Need a Static IP Address?
With so many cyber bridging and hacking going on in the world nowadays, you need to have much better security protection. This is also the case when you need to protect your security system at home against malicious attacks.
In order for a home security system to work properly, it needs an IP address so that you can communicate with it. This is where the security risk comes in when it is making use of the IP address provided by your internet service provider.
With a dynamic IP address, your security system and cameras at home or at your business are quite vulnerable to cyber attacks. With a normal internet connection, anyone with the right knowledge will be able to access your security system online and see what you see.
That is one of the reasons why many people do not have security cameras in private areas of their homes, for fear of these hackers. There are a number of differences between a static IP address and a dynamic IP address; let’s take a look at them.
Dynamic IP Address
When it comes to the dynamic IP address, it is automatically allocated to a device, but that address can change at any time. So, each time you reboot the device, like the security cameras at home, it will connect to a new IP address.
The normal internet user prefers this type of connection because you do not need any special knowledge to set it up. It is quite simple to set up your device in a few steps and needs no extra effort or time for maintenance.
Assigning one of these dynamic IP addresses is done by the Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol, which is managed by your internet service provider.
Static IP Address
These IP addresses work roughly the same way as a dynamic IP address, with the difference that it never changes. This means that the IP address is permanently assigned to the device and needs to be configured manually by an expert.
It is a good option to use if you are worried about your online security and your privacy at home or your business. A static IP address can also provide you with extra layers of security to keep those hackers out of your home or business.
For that reason, this is a good option to use for your online security system and cameras at your business, and even home security. Static IP addresses cost more, making them a more expensive option than a dynamic address. It also takes more effort to maintain them.
Do You Need a Static IP Address For Your Security Cameras?
Both a static and a dynamic IP address have their benefits, but for security, the best option is a static IP address. The confidentiality of your online security system needs to be protected, and that is made possible with a static IP address.
How this works is you are the only one or one of a few who knows what your IP address is. This means that it becomes very difficult for someone else to figure out your IP address and gain access.
What makes this even better is that the address is allocated to you alone and nobody can gain access unless you grant them permission.
Benefits of a Static IP Address
There are a number of benefits to having a static IP address, which we have listed here for you to see.
- A static IP address can be accessed with any operating system and is not limited to just one or two.
- It is easily customizable and you can easily change it to adapt to your security needs.
- You can set up a server and run your security system through it for quick remote access in a closed network.
- Because the IP address never changes, it provides you with more stability.
- Most of all, it is much more secure than a dynamic IP address and is not accessible by others.
Summary
As you can see, it is more affordable to have a dynamic IP address for your security cameras, but you may sacrifice privacy. The fact that your privacy and security are compromised with a dynamic IP address might cause you to consider a static IP address.
Weighing it all up, you might find that the best option for a security camera at home or work is a static IP address.
