This article will discus which IP mode is more beneficial for the IP cameras/systems: static IP or dynamic IP. DHCP, dynamic host configuration protocol, is client/server protocol that is automatically provided by to our devices by the router. There are other numbers that are automatically assigned to our devices as well. These number are the subnet number, default gateway, and preferred and secondary DNS IP address. Every device in our private internal network based on TCP/IP request new number, once they are connected our router. Based on the settings in our router, the Private IP address and other relevant numbers are normally least to the connected by 7 days.
Once the least time is up, each device will request new IP address, and usually get the same numbers. Some of the higher end router allow you the ability to indefinitely lease some of your devices. Since routers are the combination of DHCP server and switch, they remember each device unique MAC address. These routers bind the private IP address with MAC address in their list, making sure each time the lease is up, to always assign their previous number private IP address.
For small residential or business gateways, DHCP TCP/IP protocol is not major issue. Many of the connected devices will work with one another without resorting to changing the private IP to static or manual. But if you are running many devices and you are using residential router, then there are the chances that many devices could require new IP address from your router. These new devices are most likely wireless devices or smart devices in your home, requesting new IP address for the first time or reconnecting from losing connection.
If the security camera system, configured for remote access, lease was up, there are high chance it receives new IP address. When doing port forwarding, always assign static IP address that is outside the DHCP range. Most of the router will have a section in the web configuration page, that allows you set a range of numbers for the DHCP server. By assigning static IP address to your essential devices, it puts those devices outside the DHCP server.
So, if you have switches connected to your gateway, and you are using residential router, it is important to set private static IP addresses all your essential devices. These devices might printers, copiers, your servers, and security camera system. If you are using static IP address, please make sure to use an IP address that is outside the DHCP server range. If you are not able to alter the DHCP server’s range, simply count your devices, add plus 50 or 100, and set the static IP addresses of your essential devices, to a number outside of those range.
The conclusion: I’d recommend to use static IP for your cameras or devices on your network, that way you’re always able to locate your devices on the network. If it’s business, it’s better to put the cameras on a separate network so they don’t interfere with the main one.
