When configuring your local telecommunications system, you'll often find that you will need to choose either a static or dynamic addresses for your IP phones. IP phones operate just like computers do or servers: they connect to the network via an "address" which is used as a name. This address can either be set dynamically once they connect to the system or it can be set statically so that it never changes.
The Advantages of Static IP Addresses
Static IP addresses for your phones are going to be essentially hard coded. If one of your phones is 127.0.0.80, it will always be located at 127.0.0.80. This can be useful when programming any internal telecommunications systems -- and it can also make it easier to customize an existing VoIP system. Many older systems work best with static IP addresses because the dynamic range makes it harder to connect multiple platforms and utilities. If a phone dynamically sets its IP address, it could potentially interfere with the dynamic (or static) assignment of IPs over servers or other applications. A static IP address, on the other hand, will never accidentally be assigned in the wrong range.
The Advantages of Dynamic IP Addresses
When properly configured, dynamic IP addresses shouldn't ever be assigned in incorrect ranges -- this is really an issue of system complexity that requires an expert to manage. Dynamic IP addresses are usually preferred by larger enterprises; as IP phones are added into the organization, they will not need to be manually configured. Administrators will not need to manually track IP addresses as long as the ranges are appropriately set, which reduces the amount of work for the IT department. When dynamic IP addresses work well, they are simpler and easier; when they break, they can cause substantial telecommunications issues.
If your organization has the expertise to use dynamic IP addresses, they are usually preferred. But if your organization is fairly small or does not have an internal IT department, static IP addresses may make customization and installation simpler and faster. If you're still not sure which system you need, the experts at Central Telephone can walk you through all of your critical telecommunications decisions -- ranging from the type of handsets you use to your digital services. Contact Central Telephone today, located in Minneapolis, MN, to find out more about the benefits of different types of IP phone technology.