Overview
Many people get a dynamic Internet Protocol (IP) address assigned to them by their ISP or network operator. The alternative is a static IP address. If you're not sure which one you have, you likely have a dynamic IP address but contact your ISP to be sure.
It is difficult for public Internet resources to know how to find a webserver or mailserver or other Internet-addressable resource located at a dynamic IP address. DDNS provides a workaround, giving an individual a method of registering their current IP address with a third-party service on the web so they are publicly accessible and addressable, even as their IP address changes over time.
The below information still holds true, but DNS-O-Matic, a free service from OpenDNS, gives you an easy way to distribute your dynamic IP changes to multiple services with a single update. Keep dynamic DNS hostnames and OpenDNS updated at the same time.
Solution
OpenDNS accounts work with dynamic IP addresses through Dynamic DNS (DDNS), if you use a DDNS software client.
When using OpenDNS, the purpose of dynamic DNS is to preserve your OpenDNS preferences if your ISP or network operator changes your IP address. The software client keeps your IP up to date with OpenDNS automatically.
DNS Request Types that can be collected and listed in an OpenDNS report - A, AAAA, MX, NS, PTR, SOA, SRV, TXT
Note:
Please read "Networks with Dynamic IP Addresses" to learn how to maintain OpenDNS settings on a network where the IP address is likely to change.
Other known DDNS clients that should work with OpenDNS
| Mac, Windows | OpenDNS Updater |
OpenDNS Updater is a small AppleScript application that helps keep your Dynamic IP information up to date on the OpenDNS website.
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| Service | DNS-O-Matic |
This free service gives you an easy way to distribute your dynamic IP changes to multiple services with a single update. Keep dynamic DNS hostnames and OpenDNS updated at the same time.
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| Windows | Marcs Updater |
A small updater program that helps keep your Dynamic IP information up to date on the OpenDNS website. Also supports DNS-O-Matic.
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| Windows | Homing Beacon Dynamic DNS Update Client |
ChangeIP’s Dynamic DNS update client supports OpenDNS updates with version 3.0.0.6 and later.
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| Windows | INADYN windows command line version |
The client is based on inadyn, but modified to support HTTPS (SSL) and preconfigured to use OpenDNS’s account update URL by default. Should work on Windows 2000 and later.
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| Windows | INADYN course code |
Instructions contained in the ZIP file.
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| Windows | DynSite |
DynSite is a shareware, that is you can try it for free for 30 days then you have to register your copy to obtain a license code (also called a serial number) if you want to keep using it. If you decide not to register you have to uninstall the program (from Control Panel > Add or Remove Programs icon.) Add the configuration file, aka the.dns file, to the right place.
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| Windows | Dynamic IP Monitor |
There is a 60-minute trial version, and a full version for US$9.95. OpenDNS is supported as a built-in option from version 3.2 on. |
| Windows | myDynIPPro | Rocon Software’s dynamic DNS client supports OpenDNS updates with version 4.3.4 and later. Windows myDynIPPro Rocon Software’s dynamic DNS client supports OpenDNS updates with version 4.3.4 and later. |
Note:
Support for these DDNS clients is not provided by OpenDNS or Cisco Umbrella. You can look in our community forums for assistance or contact the vendor directly for help.