Item | Public IPs | EIPs | |
Use cases | | If you want to create a CVM that supports public network access, you can choose to use a public IP address automatically assigned by the system at the creation of a CVM instance. This public IP address has the same lifecycle as the CVM, and will be released upon the release of the bound CVM. | If you want to use a public IP for a long time, you can choose an elastic IP (EIP) and bind it to the specified CVM as needed. EIP can be bound or unbound many times, and will still exist after the CVM is released. |
Public network access | | Both support public network access. | |
Acquisition method | | It can only be obtained when you purchase a CVM. | 1. Apply for an EIP in the console. 2. Convert a public IP address to an EIP. |
Features | | It has the same lifecycle as the CVM, and will be released upon the release of the bound CVM. | It is independent from other resources. You can bind it to or unbind it from CVMs and NAT Gateways at anytime. You can release an EIP when you no longer need it. |
Fees | | Only the public network fee will be charged. | The IP resource fee is a part of the EIP fee, which varies by the account type. For more information, see Checking Account Type. |
Quota | | It is subject to the number of CVMs you purchased. | Each account can apply for 20 EIPs in each region. |
| | For the quota of public IPs (including EIPs) bound to a CVM, see the limits on public IPs bound to a CVM. | |
Operations | Converting an IP | A public IP can be converted to an EIP. The IP address will not change after the conversion. | An EIP cannot be converted back to a public IP. |
| Changing an IP | A public IP can be directly changed.For more information, see Changing Public IP Addresses | EIPs cannot be directly changed. You need to unbind and release the EIP, apply for a new one, and bind it again. |
| Releasing an IP | If you no longer need a public IP, you can log in to the CVM console, locate the public IP, and in the Operation column, select More > IP/ENI > Return Public IP to return it. | You can release an EIP in the EIP console. |
| Retrieving an IP | You can retrieve public IPs/EIPs that you have used if they have not been used by other users. | |
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