Dynamic DNS updates

We now support dynamic DNS updates. This means that cable, DSL, or dial-up users can run a web site or other server from their home PC, even with a Dynamic IP address (using a DHCP server). By using one of the following applications, every time you get a different IP your server will automatically update the IP in your domain name's DNS settings. Your domain name will be able to follow you wherever your IP takes you.

Please note that this feature requires a little DNS and IP knowledge. See below for some helpful FAQs.

How can your Dynamic DNS help?
We have added a Dynamic DNS tool to our name servers. With this tool, your computer can publish a new IP address whenever it changes.

What do I need to do?

1. Make sure the domain name is using our name servers.
2. The domain needs to have a password added for security. You'll find that setting in the General Settings area of the domain control panel.
3. Choose a Dynamic DNS application listed on this page and install it.
4. Configure the application to use your domain name, its password, and point it to our update server: dynamic.name-services.com

What if I'd like to create my own C++ application?
Here is a document you can look at to get started: UpdateIP.cpp.

What is an IP Address?
An IP address is like a telephone number. It allows one computer to "call" another computer over the Internet. When you loaded this web page, your computer used the IP of our web server to call it and ask for the page.

Why would having a Dynamic IP affect me?
It is easiest to use the telephone analogy to explain this. Assume that you have a telephone number that changes every day. This doesn't keep you from calling all of your friends. Since your friends don't know your new phone number from day to day, it is much harder for them to call you. For the same reason, if you have a dynamic IP, and are trying to run a web server, people can't get to it.

What is DNS?
DNS stands for Domain Name System. It is like a big phone book that allows your computer to look up the IP address of other computers (usually web servers). When you type the address "www.google.com" into your web browser, your computer uses DNS servers to look up the IP address of the google web server. Once it has the IP address, your web browser can contact our server and ask for the web page.

What is a Dynamic IP?
Some Internet service providers do not assign permanent IP addresses to their customers. This means that your computer's address can change at any time. This is called a dynamic IP. Having an IP address that changes occasionally does not affect most users. It does, however, make it hard to host a web site on your computer.

Do I have a Dynamic IP?
If you are like most home Internet users and have a connection using a modem, DSL line, or cable then you probably have a dynamic IP address. In the case of a DSL line or Cable modem, some ISPs will allow you to pay extra for an address that does not change. This is called a "Static IP".


If you have any additional questions, please contact the Support Center.