A static IP address is an IP address that is manually configured for a device, rather than an IP address assigned by a DHCP server. It is called static because it does not change, unlike a dynamic IP address, which does change.
Static IP vs. dynamic IP address
Routers, phones, tablets, desktops, laptops, and any other device that can use an IP address can be configured to have a static IP address. This can be done by giving the device IP addresses (such as the router) or by manually typing the IP address into the device from the device itself.
Another way to think of a static IP address is to think of something like an email address or a physical home address. These addresses don’t change, they’re static, and it makes it easy to contact someone or find someone.
Likewise, a static IP address is useful if you host a website from home, have a file server on your network, use network printers, forward ports to a specific device, run a print server, or use a remote access program. Because a static IP address never changes, other devices always know exactly how to contact a device that is using one.
