On 3 Dec 98 at 17:48, James Edwards wrote: > At 18:50 -0500 on 12/3/98, in the message "[PCSOFT] Static IP" you wrote: > > {SNIP} > > Can someone explain to me the difference between an IP and a Static IP. > {SNIP} > A static IP Address is one assigned to a computer eg. 123.456.789.21,and is > always the same. Whereas most ISPs use DHCP (Dynamic Host Control Protocol) > to assign IP Address upon connection from a pool of addresses eg. > 123.456.789.1 to 123.456.789.254; the IP address assigned will change each > time you connect, and therefore is not static. DHCP is actually a third option. Static and dynamic IP addresses are used by computers on dial-up connections; DHCP is primarily used to automate assignment of available IP addresses to Machines on a LAN identified by name. Recap: Static: IP refers to computer; network routing is updated when computer is connected. Dynamic: IP refers to connection; computer is told what IP it's on when it connects. DHCP: Computer obtains exclusive but time-limited use of an IP address issued by a server.[*] Server may issue this address to some other computer if the lease is not "renewed" before it expires -- original machine would then have to request a new address from server. [*] The server itself must have a static IP address -- this is generally a good idea for servers of any sort, and DHCP is a convenient way to handle workstations which may be added to and removed from the network somewhat more often than servers are. David G PCSOFT's List Owner's: Bob Wright<[log in to unmask]> Drew Dunn<[log in to unmask]>