What Is an IP Address? (Static vs. Dedicated vs. Shared)
An Internet Protocol (IP) Address is a unique numerical label assigned to every device connected to a network. Whether it’s your smartphone, laptop, or the server hosting your website, each device needs an IP address to communicate over the internet.
1. How IP Addresses Work: The “Digital Phonebook”
Computers do not understand names like jiinubi.com; they only understand numbers. This is where DNS comes in.
- The Domain: jiinubi.com — the name humans remember.
- The IP Address: 192.168.1.1 — the numeric address computers use.
- DNS (Domain Name System): A global directory that translates domain names into IP addresses so your browser can load the website.
2. Types of IP Addresses in Web Hosting
When you sign up for a hosting plan, your website is assigned an IP address. Depending on your plan and requirements, it will fall into one of the following categories.
A. Shared IP Address
A Shared IP is used by multiple websites on the same server. This is the most common setup in Shared Hosting environments.
- Analogy: An office building where everyone shares the same street address.
- Best For: Blogs, personal websites, startups, and small business sites.
B. Dedicated IP Address
A Dedicated IP is assigned exclusively to your website. No other site on the server shares this address.
- Analogy: A private house with its own unique street address.
- Best For: Large e-commerce sites, high-security applications, and sites that need IP-based access.
C. Static vs. Dynamic IP Addresses
- Static IP: Never changes. Essential for web servers so the internet always knows where to find your website.
- Dynamic IP: Changes periodically. Common for home internet and mobile connections.
3. IPv4 vs. IPv6: The Next Generation
The internet has grown so large that the original pool of IP addresses is nearly exhausted. This led to the creation of IPv6.
| Feature | IPv4 (Legacy) | IPv6 (Modern) |
|---|---|---|
| Format | Numeric (192.168.1.1) | Alphanumeric (2001:0db8:85a3...) |
| Availability | ~4.3 Billion | ~340 Undecillion |
| Security | Optional | Built-in (IPsec) |
4. Do I Need a Dedicated IP?
In the past, a Dedicated IP was required for SSL certificates. Today, most websites work perfectly on a Shared IP.
You may need a Dedicated IP if:
- You run a high-volume email server.
- A third-party application requires IP-based access.
- You want isolation from other sites that could get an IP blacklisted.
