Why do some IP addresses change?

In today’s connected world, IP addresses are an essential part of how devices communicate on a network. However, some users may notice that their IP address changes from time to time. In this article, we will explore the reasons why some IP addresses change, the different types of IP addresses, and the implications of having a changing IP address.

One of the main reasons why some IP addresses change is due to the type of IP address assigned to a device. There are two main types of IP addresses: static and dynamic. Static IP addresses are assigned to a device and remain the same unless manually changed by an administrator. Dynamic IP addresses, on the other hand, are assigned to a device temporarily, and can change over time.

Dynamic IP addresses are typically assigned by a DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) server. DHCP servers are responsible for assigning IP addresses to devices on a network. When a device connects to a network, it sends a request to the DHCP server for an IP address. The DHCP server then assigns an available IP address to the device and assigns a lease time, which is the amount of time the IP address will be assigned to the device. Once the lease time expires, the device must request a new IP address, which may be a different one than the previous one.

Another reason why some IP addresses change is due to network congestion. In a network with a limited number of IP addresses, the DHCP server may reassign IP addresses to different devices to balance the load on the network. This is known as IP address cycling and can occur when a device that was previously assigned an IP address is no longer using it.

Additionally, mobile devices like smartphones and laptops are more likely to have changing IP addresses as they move between different networks. When a mobile device connects to a different network, it may receive a different IP address from the DHCP server.

It’s important to note that having a changing IP address can have some implications. For example, if a device has a static IP address, it can be accessed remotely using that IP address. However, if the device has a dynamic IP address, the IP address can change, making it difficult to access the device remotely. Additionally, some online services may require a static IP address to function properly.

In conclusion, IP addresses are an essential component of how devices communicate on a network. Some IP addresses change due to the type of IP address assigned to a device, network congestion, and mobile devices moving between different networks. Understanding why some IP addresses change and the implications of having a changing IP address is important for anyone working with or using a network.