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How to Configure DDNS?

Published in Networking 4 mins read

Configuring Dynamic DNS (DDNS) allows you to access your home network remotely, even if your Internet Service Provider (ISP) assigns you a dynamic IP address that changes periodically. Here’s a general guide on how to set it up:

Steps to Configure DDNS

The exact steps may vary slightly depending on your router model and DDNS provider, but the general process is as follows:

  1. Choose a DDNS Provider: Select a DDNS provider such as No-IP, DynDNS (now Oracle Dyn), or afraid.org. Many offer free or paid plans. Research and choose one that best fits your needs.

  2. Create an Account with the DDNS Provider: Sign up for an account on the chosen provider's website.

  3. Create a Hostname: Within your DDNS provider's account, create a hostname. This will be the address you use to access your network (e.g., myhome.ddns.net). The provider will associate this hostname with your current IP address.

  4. Login to Your Router: Open a web browser and enter your router's IP address (usually the default gateway) into the address bar. Common default gateway addresses are 192.168.1.1, 192.168.0.1, or 10.0.0.1. If you are unsure of your router's IP address, you can typically find it using the command prompt (Windows) by typing ipconfig and looking for the "Default Gateway" or via the terminal on MacOS/Linux using netstat -nr | grep default.

  5. Enter Router Credentials: Enter your router's username and password to log in. If you haven't changed them, consult your router's manual or search online for the default credentials for your router model. Important Security Note: It is highly recommended to change your router's default username and password for security reasons.

  6. Locate the DDNS Settings: Navigate to the DDNS (Dynamic DNS) settings in your router's web interface. The location of these settings varies depending on the router manufacturer, but they are often found under "Advanced Settings," "WAN Settings," or a similarly named section. Consult your router's manual if you have trouble finding it.

  7. Configure the DDNS Settings: On the DDNS configuration page, you'll usually need to provide the following information:

    • DDNS Provider: Select your chosen DDNS provider from the dropdown list (e.g., No-IP, DynDNS).
    • Hostname: Enter the hostname you created on the DDNS provider's website.
    • Username/Email: Enter the username or email address you used to register with the DDNS provider.
    • Password/Key: Enter the password or key associated with your DDNS account.

  8. Enable DDNS: Enable the DDNS service on your router. There's usually a checkbox or toggle switch to enable it.

  9. Save Settings: Save the DDNS settings on your router. The router will then communicate with the DDNS provider to update your IP address whenever it changes.

Troubleshooting

  • Incorrect Credentials: Double-check that you've entered the correct username, password, and hostname.
  • Router Compatibility: Ensure your router supports DDNS and is compatible with your chosen DDNS provider. Some older routers may not have DDNS functionality.
  • Firewall Issues: Make sure your firewall isn't blocking communication between your router and the DDNS provider.
  • IP Address Not Updating: If your IP address isn't updating, try restarting your router and verifying that the DDNS service is enabled and configured correctly. Consult your DDNS provider's documentation for troubleshooting steps.

By following these steps, you can configure DDNS and access your home network remotely using a consistent hostname, even if your IP address changes.

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