How to Use DDNS
Most web servers use static IP addresses, so that users can access them quickly and easily by remembering the same IP. However, if you want to use your own computer as a server, your ISP has a Dynamic IP assigned to you, which means that your IP constantly changes and is never the same. One alternative to this is Dynamic DNS, or DDNS for short.
Instructions
Difficulty:
Step 1
Set up an account with DynDNS. DynDNS lets you create a subdomain (such as example.dyndns.com) that lets you directly connect with your PC once you have downloaded the DynDNS client on the computer. From there, you can access your PC as you would any other server.
Step 2
Use No-IP's server program to connect to your PC. No-IP offers up to 50 sub-domains to link to your computers, as well as the ability to link your own domain to your PC or other device. NO-IP also offers premium features such as phone support and additional subdomains.
Step 3
Set up DDNS with PlanetDNS. PlanetDNS is a paid DDNS service (There is no free option.) However, with PlanetDNS, you also get the abillity to use your PC as an email server (Any email sent to one of your PlanetDNS email addresses gets stored on the PC) as well as virus and malware scanning for your email.
References
Resources
Tips & Warnings
- Each of these options requires you to download a client for the service. An opportunity to download the client comes after you sign up with the respective service.
- Some ISPs frown on using your computer as a web server. Contact your provider for more information.
Article Written By Jay Darrington
Jay Darrington has been a freelance writer since 2006, specializing in technology. He has published on several online blogs, including iTech24, iPhoneland and Tech101. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in communication technology from California State University.