ip off topic...

[errr...]

can anyone explain to a thicko like me what the difference is between a static ip and a dynamic ip? and what is an ip anyway? i only ask as i am on the verge of putting up the best website ever, possibly,err.. perhaps, err.. obviously...

[Shaun (the original and best)]

IP is internet protocol, I'll leave the rest to somebody who knows what they're talking about.

[Jason]

An IP address is a unique method of identifying a piece of hardware on a network. That network can be an internal network fo 2 or 3 PCS or the WWW.

A Dynamic IP address is one that changes each and every time you log on (typically used with dial up accounts). When you log on you are allocated an available IP address by a server called a DHCP. When you log off it comes free and the next time you log on it is pot luck what IP address you get.

A Static IP address is one which is allocated to you permanently and remains with you no matter how many times you log on or off. This is available typically on cable, ADSL and leased line connections (more so on leased lines than the other two).

The big advantage of a Static IP is if you wanted to do web hosting on your internet connection. Why? Well every domain name is really an alias for an IP address.

For example the IP address for bgafd.co.uk is 216.131.103.31. When you type in www.bgafd.co.uk a process using DNS kicks off which matches the domain name in your browser with an IP address. It is really this IP address which is used for accessing the site but DNS "cloaks" the IP address.

If the IP address was dynamic and changed all the time this site would be unaccessable (sp) most of tbe time. The reason for this is that the entries in the DNS servers need to be updated every time the IP address changes - this needs to happen all over the world and can typically take up to 72 hours to do.

Why not browse to the IP address and take away all this DNS crap? Simply because IP addresses are too hard to remember (without looking - what is the IP for bgafd.co.uk? See!!).

Hope this makes sense (it is 7.15am on a Monday morning and I am late for work cause of typing this so it better do!!). If am wrong about anything above, feel free to correct me.

If you need any help let me know.

Cheers

Jason

[buttsie seriously dumb]

What course did you undertake to sprout this essay of knowledge.
Sounds like a 3/4 year diploma depending on your IQ.
God I wished I had More Iq Than EQ.

cheers
Buttsie
oz...tralia

Ps jason thank you for your post,I see you like typing, 45 per the minute I assume.

[errr...]

thanks very much, i think i understand!

[alec]

Since you asked - inaccessible.

[Jason]

hmmm, if thats the only error, I dont think I need worry!!!

I am an enterprise systems consultant by day so I know more about IT etc than I do about porn!!

(I know which I would prefer to be a expert on but thats another story...)