Basic and Standard IP Configuration in Azure Virtual Machine

When creating a virtual machine (VM) in Azure, we have the option to configure networking settings, including the IP configuration. Under the networking options, we will come across the IP configuration section. In this section, we typically have two options to choose from:

• Basic IP
• Standard IP

However, the choice between Basic IP and Standard IP address depends on your specific requirements and the nature of your Azure deployment.

- Basic IP:

This option assigns a dynamic private IP address to the VM. The IP address may change if the VM is stopped and started again. Basic IP configuration is suitable for most scenarios where a static IP address is not necessary.

• Dynamic Private IP: With Basic IP, the VM is assigned a dynamic private IP address. This means that the IP address can change when the VM is stopped and started again.
• Cost: Basic IP does not incur any additional charges beyond the standard VM pricing.
• Use Cases: Basic IP is suitable for most general use cases where a static IP is not required. For instance, it works well for development and testing environments, short-lived VM instances, and scenarios where the IP address does not need to remain constant.

- Standard IP address:

This option allows you to assign a static private IP address to the VM. A static IP address remains the same even if the VM is stopped and started. Standard IP configuration is recommended for scenarios where a consistent IP address is required, such as for specific network configurations or applications.

• Static Private IP: When you choose the Standard IP configuration, you can assign a static private IP address to the VM. This means that the IP address remains the same even if the VM is stopped and started.
• IP Persistence: The primary advantage of Standard IP is IP persistence. It ensures that the IP address remains unchanged, providing consistency for applications or network configurations that rely on a static IP.
• Cost: Standard IP incurs a small additional cost compared to Basic IP.
• Use Cases: Standard IP is recommended in scenarios where you require a static IP address for specific purposes. This could include scenarios like running applications that depend on a consistent IP, setting up virtual network gateways, VPN connections, and load balancers, or when configuring network security groups.

Note :

With the Basic IP configuration, the IP address assigned to the VM may change if the VM is stopped and started again. If you have hosted a website on that IP address and you stop and restart the VM, there is a possibility that the IP address will change.

This means that if your website is relying on a specific IP address for accessibility, it could become inaccessible or experience downtime when the IP address changes. Visitors trying to access your website using the previous IP address may encounter difficulties reaching it until the DNS records are updated to reflect the new IP address.

If IP address persistence is crucial for your website, it is advisable to consider using the Standard IP configuration option. With a static private IP address, the IP will remain the same even if the VM is stopped and started, ensuring continuous access to your hosted website.

Important note while choosing IP configuration :

The availability of IP configuration options may vary based on the region you select for your Azure VM. The option to choose between Basic IP and Standard IP configurations can be region-specific.

In some regions, Azure might enforce the use of the Standard IP configuration by default and not provide the option to select Basic IP. This means that you may not have the flexibility to choose Basic IP for your VM in that particular region.

The availability of IP configurations is dependent on the underlying Azure infrastructure and network architecture in each region. Microsoft Azure continually updates and expands its services across regions, so it’s possible that the availability of IP configurations may change over time.

For instance, if you specifically require the Basic IP configuration for your VM and it’s not available in the central India region, you may consider selecting a different region where the Basic IP option is available. However, it’s essential to consider other factors such as data residency, proximity to users or services, and any specific requirements you have when choosing an alternative region for your VM deployment.

These are the regions where we have the flexibility to choose basic IP configuration or standard IP configuration.

The reason for operating this policy is, the availability of IP configuration options in different regions of Azure can be influenced by various factors, including the underlying network infrastructure and architectural considerations. There are a few possible reasons why Azure may enforce the use of the Standard IP configuration by default in certain regions…

- Network Architecture

- Service Availability

- Regional Infrastructure

It’s important to note that Microsoft Azure is continually evolving and expanding its services and offerings. The availability of IP configurations in specific regions may change over time as Microsoft updates its infrastructure and network capabilities.