What is Dynamic DNS (DDNS), and how do I set it up at IU?

Dynamic DNS (DDNS) is an addition to the DNS standard. Dynamic DNS defines a protocol for dynamically updating a DNS server with new or changed values. Prior to DDNS, administrators needed to manually configure the records stored by DNS servers. DDNS allows this to happen automatically for continually changing IP addresses, without the need for human intervention.

In simpler terms, DDNS allows a fully qualified domain name (FQDN) that doesn't ever change to be associated with a dynamically assigned IP address that can change quite often. For example, say you wanted to name your computer DarthVader.iu.edu but you were required to use DHCP (as computers are on the Indiana University network, except for servers, or mission-critical or special-applications workstations). Even if you enter DarthVader in the "Computer Name" field of your computer properties, DNS servers anywhere would know you only by the FQDN that is associated with the IP address you are assigned; for example, at IU, if DHCP gives you an IP address of 156.56.0.1, your computer's name to the entire Internet is not DarthVader.iu.edu, but 156-56-0-1.dhcp-bl.indiana.edu. This will be the case no matter what you enter into the "Computer Name" field in your settings.

However, DDNS changes that. If you use DDNS, then the DNS servers will know not to assign you the normal DHCP FQDN, but will properly associate DarthVader.iu.edu with the IP your computer receives every time.

The DDNS service implemented on the IU network works for Windows 2000 and XP Professional, the server versions of Windows 2000, and 2003 Server as well. It will not work for Windows 95, 98, 98SE, Me, NT 4.0, or XP Home Edition, nor will it work for non-Windows operating systems, such as Mac OS X, Linux, or BSD. This is because IU's DDNS service works through the Active Directory domain controllers, and a computer must be joined to the IU Active Directory to take advantage of it.

If you have a non-Windows operating system, or are not joined to a domain, it is possible to use a third-party DDNS service, such as Dynamic Network Services, Inc., PlanetDNS, or others. You will have to conduct an online search or contact one of the many providers for instructions on how to use their service with your computer (These providers are named as examples only; UITS does not recommend or endorse any third-party DDNS service.) Keep in mind that although the DDNS is an official addition to the DNS standard, not all ISPs refresh their own DNS servers' data often enough to reflect daily changes, so some users may still run into trouble accessing your DDNS-configured FQDN. That would not be the fault of your DDNS service provider; it would be a problem caused by the ISP not updating its DNS tables properly.

To set up your Windows computer to use Indiana University's DDNS service, follow these steps while logged in as an administrator:

Note: At Indiana University, the University Information Security Office (UISO) recommends that you normally refrain from running your Windows computer as an administrator. For more, see What is the principle of least privilege?

Right-click My Network Places and click Properties.
Right-click Local Area Connection and click Properties.
Select Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) and click Properties.
Click the Advanced... button.
Click the DNS tab. Next to "DNS suffix for this connection:", type ads.iu.edu .
Check Register this connection's addresses in DNS.
Check Use this connection's DNS Suffix in DNS registration.
Click OK, then OK again, and then Close.

Now your computer will dynamically register itself with the IU DDNS servers.

Again, this is how you set DDNS up with a Windows computer joined to the IU Active Directory. If you use a third-party DDNS provider, the instructions will almost certainly be far different; in that case, follow your provider's directions rather than the ones here.

Also see:

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Last modified on December 17, 2007.

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