Dynamic DNS: tuning

For many computer users, the concept of a dynamic DNS server is somewhat abstract. Most users have no idea what a dynamic DNS is and why servers of this type are used. Meanwhile, nothing particularly complicated in the understanding of this term, and in the configuration of the service there. Further, theoretical information and practical solutions that can be easily mastered by any person who is not even familiar with these services are offered for consideration.

Dynamic DNS: what is it and what is it for?

The very technology of using DNS-servers initially assumes that they act as interpreter, allowing access to Internet resources without entering a digital combination of the address of the site corresponding to its IP address.

Everyone knows that for a resource in the address bar of the browser, only the name of a specific page, consisting of letters, numbers or special characters, is prescribed, and the DNS server, by name of the resource, redirects to the corresponding IP.

Dynamic DNS works in a slightly different way, allowing you to assign domain names to any device (individual terminal, network drive , etc.) for which the dynamic IP is set. In this case, completely different IP addresses can be used, for example, received through DHCP or IPCP. But the main difference from static technology is that the information on the server can be updated completely automatically. When connecting to a resource from other machines, their users will not even know that at certain points the IP address changes.

Dynamic IP Issues

One of the basic principles of dynamic DNS-servers is the presence of the client machine dynamic IP address. If you use a static address for its use, you may need to shell out a considerable amount of money. That's why when you set up DDNS, you do not need to buy a static address.

Special software clients installed on user terminals can perform such a conversion without user intervention.

Advantages of using DDNS

But why then a dynamic DNS server is used? As the most simple example, you can consider video surveillance, organized by installing a DVR and IP cameras.

It seems that the instructions say that this model supports connection through a router with the ability to control what is happening through the Internet, but in fact it is impossible to connect without a DDNS server.

With the use of DDNS-technology, users have undeniable advantages, among which separately we can distinguish the following:

• The ability to use private networks when accessing services and services of completely different protocols and ports;
• No need to purchase a static IP with a binding to a specific device;
• Simplified remote connectivity to computers via RDP clients;
• Monitoring of the network (monitoring of computers that are online or disconnected from the network);
• Remote control and reboot of computers when a problem is detected, even if the network does not have an external IP (enough ordinary Internet connection);
• Constant tracking of your dynamic address for organizing links to your own resource;
• The possibility of using generators of site maps without restrictions on the number of pages and the conduct of compulsory registration;
• Tracking of non-working links;
• Exchange of information between computers directly, bypassing its saving on the intermediate server.

Dynamic DNS: tuning (general principles)

As for the tuning questions, which many seem to be something of a fantasy field, nothing particularly complicated here. In order not to deal with procedures for configuring the router, port forwarding, and many other complex actions, it's easiest to immediately turn to specialized applications and services that are specifically designed to simplify the work.

Basically, the configuration is reduced to installing a special client application and adding your own resource name, for which three third-level domain names will be provided. This is not always convenient, so in some programs it has been added the possibility of getting a name even of the first level.

Most popular platforms and clients

Dynamic CSN today is used quite widely. For example, Microsoft for Active Directory applies Kerberos authentication without having to manually distribute the keys.

One of the most popular platforms for UNIX-systems is BIND, which allows even compatibility with Windows NT. Dynamic DNS is also provided free of charge by many hosting companies, allowing users to modify content content via a standard web interface.

If we talk about client applications and services, among them the most popular are the following:

• ASUS DDNS;
• No-IP;
• HE Free DNS Service;
• DNS-O-Matic;
• Zone Edit;
• DynDNS.

Consider the configuration of DDNS for each client.

ASUS DDNS

Those users who have a dynamic DNS-router from ASUS, were more fortunate than others. To use DDNS, simply enter the settings section and activate the service itself.

After that, you should come up with and register an arbitrary name, after which the user will receive a domain name in the form of "Name.asuscomm.com". In addition, the dynamic DNS-list includes a lot of additional services and services, and today is almost the biggest.

No-IP

No less simple configuration involves dynamic DNS in the form of a No-IP service. For him, you should follow a few simple steps.

First you need to register on the noip.com resource and add the desired host (the Add Host function) created at the registration. After that, for free registration will be available three domain names, for which you will need to come up with your own name.

HE Free DNS Service

No less interesting to many, this service may seem. In principle, the setting is very symbolic (as in the previous cases).

However, it is this service that attracts users with an impressive list of additional features, which are immediately represented by quick links (certification, tunnel broker, network map, IPv6 protocol management, DNS servers and telnet).

DNS-O-Matic

Before us is another very interesting and perfect client, the functioning of which differs from all previous services. Its main task is that the user can change his dynamic IP immediately on all services, in which there is registration, with almost one click.

As usual, you first need to register, and then add the service through the Add Service function (for example, from those listed above). Further. You should enter the data used for registration in these services (User ID - e-mail address, Password - password, Host / Identifier - the name of the third-level domain that was generated by the service.) After you finish entering the data on the binding of the service to the account, Icon in the form of a green hand brush with a thumb up in front of the account of the specified service.

ZoneEdit

All of the above services are free. Now pay attention to this service.

Its use is paid in the form of special "loans", the cost of which is equal to one US dollar. That is, for a year the payment will be twelve. E. The registration and setup procedure is almost exactly the same as in the first examples, so there is no point in dwelling on it in detail.

DynDNS

Before us, perhaps, the most popular service, although not free. The cost of its use starts at twenty-five dollars a year.

Incidentally, even with the activation of DDNS on the router, if such a function is provided, the user will in most cases be asked to register in this service. Despite the paid use, DynDNS, as noted by the vast majority of experts, is the most reliable service. Another point is connected with the fact that almost all modern router models support this service, and some devices with outdated firmware are focused only on it.