DtDNS - DetailHow to simulate static IP address for running a web server when your service provider allocates IP address dynamically. OverviewThe majority of domestic Internet connections are via a dynamic IP address, one that can change every time you connect to the Internet. A web server requires a static IP address. A free dynamic DNS service such as DtDNS provides accounts and tracking software to automatically update your IP address when it changes, creating the effect of a static IP address. This is an alternative to purchasing a static IP address from your ISP (Internet service provider). Even with a static IP, you require an entry in a DNS server that converts your domain name into this IP address, allowing other users to access your server. DtDNS provide accounts that allow you to obtain a domain name, and provide tracking software to automatically update your IP address when it changes. A big advantage of their free service is that they automatically enable wild cards by default. This means that names like <whatever>.fred.com will be mapped to your IP address. The Uniform Server supports the DtDNS service by integrating a simple script to automatically update hostname IP address at DtDNS. The script is configurable, allowing you to update all five free hostnames. The script can optionally be run by Cron, making the whole task transparent. Note: The script is portable, so putting the servers on a USB memory stick means you can have them on-line and accessible within ten minutes (the minimum DNS propagation time). Of course this assumes the PC host machine has been configured to allow Internet server traffic. Edit DtDNS AccountsUniform Server DtDNS is configured via a configuration file dtdns.ini. This has been pre-configured with three accounts you can add as many accounts as you like, each must have a unique account name. You can open this configuration file in one of two ways either using UniController or directely. UniController: Open file as follows: Server Configuration > DtDNS > Edit DtDNS Accounts Directly: Open the following file in notepad or other suitable text editor: UniServer\uni_con\dtdns_updater\dtdns.ini Configuration
Force DtDNS UpDATEYou can use either one of two methods to force a DtDNS update.
Either method runs the Uniform Server DtDNS update script. A conformation pop-up is produced "DtDNS was manually updated View log for details." Enable LogLogging is enabled by default you can turn logging off using this menu option. The DtDNS script is open in Notepad.
Note: Alternative is to directely edit the script UniServer\uni_con\dtdns_updater\dtdns_updater.vbs View Log
Note: Log file location UniServer\uni_con\dtdns_updater\dtdns.log Enable in CRONEvery time you start your PC and reconnect to the Internet (given a new IP address) you need to manually run the DtDNS updater. Remembering to manually run scripts like DtDNS becomes a chore. Uniform Server centralises running this type of script using portable Cron. Cron is started either manually (portable) or run as a service. It periodically executes a list of scripts; the DtDNS script is included and requires enabling as follows: You can open Cron configuration file in one of two ways either using UniController or directely. UniController: Open file as follows: Server Configuration > DtDNS > Enable in CRON Directly: Open the following file in notepad or other suitable text editor:
Where to go nextDtDNS - Introduction |