If you’re looking into DDNS, you’re probably a) gamer, b) tech geek, c) early adopter, since this method is predicted to have wide adoption in the years to come.
Dynamic DNS comes in really handy whether you’re a business owner or would just like to access your surveillance cameras from the Internet. Either way, we know it can get confusing, that’s why we made this beginner-friendly guide on how to set up Dynamic DNS.
Let’s dive in!
What is DDNS?
DDNS stands for Dynamic Domain Name System, which signifies automatic update of name servers using a DDNS configuration of hostnames, addresses, and more. It can be applied to two concepts:
In most cases, it’s used by large companies that have their own DNS and DHCP servers. Although it’s not mandatory, some SME businesses and homes use DDNS as well.
- Updating traditional DNS records without manual intervention.To provide lightweight and immediate updates, usually via clients.
However, it shouldn’t be confused with standard web hosting which is designed for hosting a business website.
Configuring Dynamic DNS
Configuring DDNS within your Dynamic IP Router
If you’re struggling with setting up a Dynamic DNS with your home router (typically via NAT router), that’s because devices located within a home network aren’t available from the Internet. That means the service you wanted to publish online won’t be accessible. However, there is a way to get around it, but it’s not that simple.
Assuming that you want to host web servers on an internal network, a static IP address will be assigned by your NAT router. Now, to make it available online, it’s usually recommended to use port forwarding. And here’s where things get fun.
As you probably know, IP addresses are usually presented as a combination of several digits, such as 81.157.34.43. That means you’re supposed to always forward this combination, along with the port number. In case your external IP address was dynamically assigned by the ISP, you would even have to pay for a static address. Moreover, your client will have to remember this IP address.
All of this could be optimised by using a DDNS. How, you might ask?
However, this is far from being the only advantage of using DDNS. You might have heard that IP addresses change periodically, which means it’s necessary to update DNS records. This can be done manually, but the problem is, you can’t really know if it has been changed unless you check.
- Dynamic DNS assigns the name to the webserver which can then be given to clients and is, therefore, easier to remember.The IP address gets assigned to the name.
Obviously, this is an unreliable method and that’s where automatic updates with DDNS come really handy. Luckily, this ability is built in most NAT routers.
Registering with a DDNS service provider
There are many DDNS service providers available in Australia and most of them offer a free service with a premium upgrade. So, to configure a Dynamic DNS, you will need to:
Note: There’s also a possibility that your router doesn’t support DDNS updates. In that case, you can install a DDNS client on the machine on your local network, but keep in mind the machine should be constantly running.
- Create an account with your DDNS service providerCreate a hostname for the IP addressSelect from the available domains and register your nameEnter a hostnameGo to the Dynamic DNS configuration pageEnter the name of your DDNS service provider and your login detailsYou will receive a connected confirmation. Otherwise, it may mean you’re experiencing Internal Server Errors and that you should restart the process.
Whichever option you choose in the end, we recommend testing your configuration.
Configuring Windows DDNS Server
If your Windows computer doesn’t come with Windows Remote Desktop by default, don’t worry, because there is an alternative to it. Do the following instructions:
- Register your account on any of the remote access applications
They usually offer a free account for up to five devices and you will only need a valid email address to sign up.
- Activate a Home subscription
This will also in most cases be free. You will need your login details.
- Download and install the app on all remote computers you want to monitor
Whichever app you decide on, it’s recommended to proceed with default options since they include useful things like ‘Add an exception to the firewall for this server’.
- Set up Port Forwarding
Go to the Dynamic IP Router website at the remote location and click on the ‘Port Forwarding’ section. Add a new Port Forwarding rule for TCP port 5900 to be forwarded to the internal IP of your remote Windows computer. To get the internal IP address of the device, you may type ipconfig in “cmd.exe”. It is usually in the form of “192.168.0.**” or “10.10..”.
- Map your dynamic IP to a hostname
As described above, register your domain name, download and run client software on a remote Windows computer to keep the hostname mapped to the remote dynamic IP. If your router supports it, you can even enable DDNS setup in the router.
Note: Depending on the remote access applications that you chose, as well as on your operating system, you may need to download additional viewer software to access your remote PC. In other cases, you’ll be able to access it from a browser. If it’s not overloaded with cache, that is.
Dynamic DNS for Mac
Mac Settings are somewhat different, so you should do as follows:
- Enable Remote Management option
Just click on Apple Menu/System Preferences/Sharing/Remote Management, and choose whether you want to share it with selected or all users.
- In the same window, click on ‘Options’
Select which tasks will remote users be permitted to perform, such as observing, generating reports, and more.
- In the Remote Management section, click on ‘Computer Settings’
Select connection via VNC viewers and generate a password.
The other steps related to downloading the app and setting up the Port Forwarding are the same as for Windows PC.
Bottom Line
There are many benefits to enabling DDNS, from monitoring your internet-connected devices at home, to managing hundreds of computers in your company.
Don’t be scared by unknown terms at first – once you get a hang of it, it’s possible to enable DDNS setup without prior tech knowledge. Just follow the steps in this guide according to your OS and enjoy the well-deserved know-it-all role.
1.Should I set up dynamic DNS?
If you would benefit from being able to monitor your devices remotely, or from providing internet access to others, then yes.
2. Is DNS good for gaming?
Yes, it is especially useful among gamers who host their own servers, such as Minecraft players, to enable internet access to other internet users.
3. How do you check if dynamic DNS is working?
Check in your browser what your IP address is. Then open a command prompt window and type: ping
