DDNS ! Explain that to me please ...

**confus-ed** · March 2nd, 2004, 08:47 AM

Okay so I just came accross the phrase - DDNS - Dynamic Directory Name Services - just in case you think I can't type

So what the hell is this ? & why & what is this router I just 'found it in' up to ? Its not in a domain so this makes no sense to me at all ... thus far

.

**CeeBee** · March 2nd, 2004, 09:09 AM

Now come on... Don't tell me you have no idea what DYNDNS and TZO are...

**cyberhh** · March 2nd, 2004, 10:44 AM

Dnyamic DNS is a method to assign a hostname to a dynamic (DHCP) address (ie. Cable or DSL subscriber). For DDNS to work you have to manually update your address in the DNS table or download a DDNS client. You can try http://zoneedit.com for free DDNS service.

**ADisturbance** · March 2nd, 2004, 10:50 AM

Another free ddns provider

**Matridom** · March 2nd, 2004, 11:04 AM

DDNS, that's NOT Dyndns or other dymanic DNS names that rotate around.

DDNS was introduced in with windows 2000 as a way to aleviate administration of DNS server within a network. Basicly it allows clients to register themselves into the DNS server when obtaining an IP address. If you look in your network card settings in 2k or xp, you'll see an option "Register this computer into DNS". This option also allows the computer to update the DNS if it's IP is obtained or when it changes. If you look into the 2k DHCP server, you'll see an option to have it register the computer into DNS rather then the computer doing this, allowing for backwards compatibility support for 98/Me etc. These options are not important for individual home users, but when you get into active directories, where everything needs to be accurate, you can see where it's important.

The Dyndns, no-ip services take a lead from that and allow a static name regardless of wether your IP changes, they just take a page of the original idea.

**CeeBee** · March 2nd, 2004, 11:16 AM

Originally Posted by Matridom

The Dyndns, no-ip services take a lead from that and allow a static name regardless of wether your IP changes, they just take a page of the original idea.

Therefore if you analize the mechanism it's the same! It updates a DNS record with the current IP of the client machine. And let's not forget that these dynamic DNS services have been around way before Win2k.

**Matridom** · March 2nd, 2004, 11:28 AM

Originally Posted by CeeBee

Therefore if you analize the mechanism it's the same! It updates a DNS record with the current IP of the client machine. And let's not forget that these dynamic DNS services have been around way before Win2k.

I've not personaly seen them around before that time. And in essence it is simmilar. However, with a proper DHCP server and DDNS server, you don't need to install client software to make the updates, nor do you need a 3rd party vendor to keep things up to date. Additionaly, unlike dynamic services available online, all records get updated, including the pointer record, something online services cannot do.

**confus-ed** · March 2nd, 2004, 11:33 AM

I'm now sat wondering how badly I'm phrasing this ...

Do I/don't I need a client for it ? (I want one surley?) & that should be on a pc somewhere ? - I ain't got one anywhere , the router though thinks it has its own ddns service which it says is on, yet it talks about an account (so the reforwarding details I pressume) not being configured - hence why I'm confus-ed ... the only domain involved is at his ISP ..

**kato2274** · March 2nd, 2004, 11:42 AM

Originally Posted by confus-ed

I'm now sat wondering how badly I'm phrasing this ...

Do I/don't I need a client for it ? (I want one surley?) & that should be on a pc somewhere ? - I ain't got one anywhere , the router though thinks it has its own ddns service which it says is on, yet it talks about an account (so the reforwarding details I pressume) not being configured - hence why I'm confus-ed ... the only domain involved is at his ISP ..

no you don't need a client because the router already has a client installed. all you need is to sign up with one of the many services out there then input your account information into the dyndns configuration page of the router and your router will update your IP address to your service. no client needed. the router is your client

**Matridom** · March 2nd, 2004, 11:43 AM

Originally Posted by confus-ed

I'm now sat wondering how badly I'm phrasing this ...

Do I/don't I need a client for it ? (I want one surley?) & that should be on a pc somewhere ? - I ain't got one anywhere , the router though thinks it has its own ddns service which it says is on, yet it talks about an account (so the reforwarding details I pressume) not being configured - hence why I'm confus-ed ... the only domain involved is at his ISP ..

For this, Ceebee has the correct answer.

**CeeBee** · March 2nd, 2004, 12:28 PM

Originally Posted by Matridom

Additionaly, unlike dynamic services available online, all records get updated, including the pointer record, something online services cannot do.

Buyt do you care about it? You only need the <yourname>.dyndns.org to resolve to your IP after all.. and that's enough for stuff from a mail/ftp/web/vpn server to being found on the net for an incoming netmeeting call.

**confus-ed** · March 2nd, 2004, 12:36 PM

Originally Posted by Matridom

For this, Ceebee has the correct answer.

... you mean Kato ?

It was the client in the router confusing me (I'd spent 'ages' looking on all the PCs !) ... I pressume he's got this second hand or pre-configured & I'm the only 'fool' who ever looked at it to notice it was on ...

**Matridom** · March 2nd, 2004, 12:38 PM

Originally Posted by CeeBee

Buyt do you care about it? You only need the <yourname>.dyndns.org to resolve to your IP after all.. and that's enough for stuff from a mail/ftp/web/vpn server to being found on the net for an incoming netmeeting call.

Cause on an internal network, it is an important function for proper resolution. over the internet, it does not matter as much.

besides, i'm a perfectionist when it comes to some things

**Matridom** · March 2nd, 2004, 12:40 PM

Originally Posted by confus-ed

... you mean Kato ?

It was the client in the router confusing me (I'd spent 'ages' looking on all the PCs !) ... I pressume he's got this second hand or pre-configured & I'm the only 'fool' who ever looked at it to notice it was on ...

The ddns in the router refers to online sites that will track a changing IP to a static DNS name, you have to sign up for that DNS name on sites like www.dyndns.org (wich i use) or some of the other sites that provide the service. The router is allowing you to update those sites without having to install a client on the computer.