Dynamic DNS – What does it mean?
Dynamic DNS, also commonly called DDNS, is a method that automatically updates the IP address of a particular host. As a result, all of your customers have the ability to connect with your website, even if the IP address changes.
Dynamic DNS is actually a very easy-to-use service, and it lets you connect with all of your hosted services in cases when the ISP changes your IP address (IPv4 address or IPv6 address). Let’s say, for illustration, that you hold a database server, web hosting server, mail server, or even if you transform your home network for your CCTV cameras, then DDNS is going to be very helpful.
Internet service providers (ISPs) are making changes to the IP addresses because it is way easier for them to administrate the large network. For that reason, they only lease them only for a short period of time to their customers. To achieve that, they utilize a DHCP server that does all of the work. That way, all of their users get different new IP addresses after the particular allowed time expires.
Therefore, the perfect solution is Dynamic DNS for a lot of different scenarios. Additionally, it is easy to set up, and normally it is a free service.
How does it function?
After you implement the DDNS service, you won’t have to be concerned about monitoring and refreshing your IP address every time it changes. So, let’s explain how actually that amazing method functions.
Let’s say, for example, you have a company that offers a particular service via the Internet, and you have your own one or a couple of servers. If you want your services to be reachable for external visitors, you should take a few steps.
The inside network of your company should have a connection with the Internet via a network address translation (NAT) router. That router is going to give an IP address to your server or servers.
Next, port forwarding is going to be needed to make sure the connection goes to the right device. That way, external users could reach the service through the Internet.
In this situation, IP address changes are going to appear, and they could cause some difficulties. Therefore, the Dynamic DNS is going to be helpful.
After you include the DDNS service from a provider, specific software for DDNS is going to be established on your network. To the information is going to be added your IP address. Additionally, your router should be configured to refresh the IP address every time and notify the DNS server about it.
The router is going to request from you to add your DDNS account and password, and you are ready!
Advantages of Dynamic DNS
It is very simple to implement it. You don’t need to do anything complicated. Once you set it up, you are ready. If you are using the service for CCTV cameras for surveillance, you should set up your router by only placing the username and password for your DDNS service.
It is not expensive. Compared to static IP addresses, implementation of Dynamic DNS is way cheaper. For instance, if you have multiple devices, it will be more affordable to spend for only one DDNS service rather than paying for multiple static IP addresses.
It keeps you online. The DDNS is able to reduce downtime thanks to the auto-update of the IP addresses. The devices or services will proceed to operate and continue to be available via the Internet.
