Configuring a static IP address for a network printer in a SOHO (Small Office/Home Office) environment ensures that the printer maintains the same IP address over time. This consistency is crucial for networked devices like printers, as computers and other devices rely on this specific address to connect to the printer. If the printer's IP address were to change (as it might with DHCP), devices would no longer be able to communicate with it without reconfiguration.
Static IP: Assigning a static IP address to the printer ensures it always uses the same IP, making it reliably accessible to all computers in the house regardless of network changes or router reboots.