What is the difference between a dynamically assigned IP address and a static/fixed IP address?

A static or fixed IP address requires you to manually configure your IP address, along with other settings such as the gateway, the subnet mask, and DNS (Domain Name Service) settings into your network properties. Notebook computers do not require static IP addresses for basic connectivity to the Internet and access to email. However some networks and ISPs do not provide a DHCP server; in that case, the notebook computer must have a static/fixed configuration.

AT&T Wi-Fi can support PCs with fixed or static IP addresses, although in some cases these do require configuration changes. Some applications such as VPNs (Virtual Private Network) and routers may require a static IP address provided by AT&T Wi-Fi in order to gain access to the Internet. An AT&T Wi-Fi provided static IP is only available in meeting rooms.