What is DynamicDNS? What is the difference between dynamic
and static IP addresses?
What do I need to use DynamicDNS?
What exactly does DynamicDNS do?
What is a third-level domain (host)
name?
How do I get it and how much does
it cost?
Can I use any domain name? What
if it exists at another host?
What is a desktop client and will
it work on any computer with any operating system?
On how many computers can I install
the desktop client?
Can I use the same DynamicDNS user
on two different computers at the same time?
Will my firewall cause a problem?
Will my router cause a problem?
DynamicDNS is a set of tools that enable a third-level domain (host) name to point to a dynamic IP address, such as the one provided to you by an Internet Service Provider (ISP). It consists of two primary components: 1) a server-side component whose administration you can access online, and 2) a desktop client-side component installed and managed in your computer.
What is the difference between dynamic and static IP addresses?
In simple terms, an IP address is the location of a computer on a network - be it the entire Internet or a home network. Such a location, like any home, has a distinct address. The Internet sending data according to IP address is analogous to the postal system sending mail according to home address. While homes have a static (or never changing) address, IP addresses can be either static or dynamic.
Thus the difference between dynamic and static IP address is that the former can change on a regular basis while the latter never changes. Most ISPs provide dynamic IP addresses to their customers by default, while making available static IP addresses at an additional (often steep) cost.
Generally, there are two conditions under which you would need to use DynamicDNS:
Your IP address is dynamic (that is, it changes on a regular basis).
You wish to gain access to a PC in a remote location whose IP address is dynamic.
The remote PC may simply be a home PC to which you wish to gain access or even your own server.
What do I need to use DynamicDNS?
In order to use DynamicDNS you need your own domain name (new or existing), a DynamicDNS account, a computer running Windows, Mac or Linux, and an "always on" Internet connection.
What exactly does DynamicDNS do?
Functionally, it makes your dynamic IP address static. While your ISP will continue to assign you dynamically-changing IP addresses, DynamicDNS will consistently point a designated third-level domain (host) name to your dynamically-changing IP addresses. For example, you can designate home.mydomain.com to always point to your home computer even though your ISP regularly changes its IP address.
What is a third-level domain (host) name?
A domain name can be broken into multiple components. For example, the domain name, mydomain.com, actually consists of three distinct components: "mydomain" is referred to as a second-level domain name, "." is the root, and "com" is known as the top-level domain (TLD).
A third-level domain is a sub-domain of a second-level domain and precedes the name of the latter. In other words, anything.mydomain.com is a third-level domain name and "anything" is a subdomain of mydomain.com.
How do I get it and how much does it cost?
To start using DynamicDNS you simply need to request the service in your Optimum Online control panel. You will then be redirected to the Optimum Online Web hosting powered by Hostway SiteControl to complete the initial setup.
For Premium customers, both the registration of a new domain name and the DynamicDNS service are free.
Can I use any domain name? What if it exists at another host?
Yes, you can use any registered domain name so long as you own or control it. If you already own a domain name that resides elsewhere, then you can use it for DynamicDNS but you must transfer its nameservers to Optimum Online Web hosting powered by Hostway.
Optimum Online Web hosting powered by Hostway nameservers are:
adns.cv.siteprotect.com
bdns.cv.siteprotect.com
What is a desktop client and will it work on any computer with any operating system?
A desktop client is any application that is installed and controlled within your computer (as opposed to a remote server). At the moment, the client application can be installed on Windows (98 SE, ME, 2000, XP), Mac OS X, and Linux.
On how many computers can I install the desktop client?
You can install the desktop client on as many computers as you wish, but only one may have access at a time.
Can I use the same DynamicDNS user on two different computers at the same time?
Although you can install the desktop client on multiple computers, you CANNOT use the same DynamicDNS user on two different computers at the same time. In fact, if you attempt to activate DynamicDNS on a second computer (using the same DynamicDNS user), then you will be forced to log in to the Optimum Online Web hosting powered by Hostway SiteControl to "reset" the user thereby closing the connection to the first computer.
Will my firewall cause a problem?
No, DynamicDNS uses the secure HTTPS protocol (just like your browser) so you can continue to use your firewall without any problem.
Will my router cause a problem?
No, even if you have multiple computers behind one router, Dynamic DNS will only recognize the computer on which not only a desktop client is installed but is also the one that is actively Online and currently connected to Dynamic DNS.
