Definition
An elastic IP address (EIP) is a static IPv4 address that can be reassigned to various resources in a cloud computing environment. Cloud service providers allocate some of these addresses to their accounts and discharge them back into the shared pool after closing those accounts.
Elastic IP Address Advantages
Because EIPs are static (they stay unaltered until released), they may be dynamically assigned to various cloud resources within a similar cloud account. Dynamic allotment enables users to remap elastic IP addresses to different virtual systems or other platforms within their cloud resources.
Therefore, elastic IP addresses provide resilience and adaptability by dynamically reassigning the IP address from one infrastructure to another. Users may reduce breaks in service when a network device or virtual machine fails and requires replacement.
Elastic IP Addresses Disadvantages
Some cloud service providers charge extra for idle EIPs (addresses not linked to an infrastructure or a running instance). Providers can also restrict the number of elastic IP addresses assigned to an account to stop IPv4 address depletion and promote efficient IP address application. It is recommended to release an EIP back to the pool once it is no longer active.
Common Providers of Elastic IP Addresses
- GCP (Google Cloud Platform)
- AWS (Amazon Web Services)
- OCI (Oracle Cloud Infrastructure)
- IBM Cloud
- DigitalOcean
- Alibaba Cloud
Elastic IP Address Characteristics
- An elastic IP address is intended for use only in a specific region and cannot be shifted to a different region.
- An elastic IP address is static, meaning it does not change.
- To use an elastic IP address, assign one to your account and link it to your network interface or instance.
- Associating an elastic IP address with an instance associates it with the instance’s main network interface. On the other hand, associating it with a network interface attached to an instance also associates it with the instance.
- An elastic IP address can only be used within a specific network border group.
