Webservers

This guide will help you set up your own website using our Dynamic DNS service.

What is Dynamic DNS? How can I use it to host a website?

The free Dynamic DNS service provides an easy-to-remember URL for quick remote access to your network. Using freely available webserver software such as Apache, Dynamic DNS allows you to host your very own website from your home network with a web address like mysite.dyndns.org, rather than a meaningless, ever-changing IP address like http://123.45.67.89.

How do I set it up?

Please complete the following steps to get started with the Dynamic DNS service.

1. Install your webserver

The first step is to install your webserver software. The most common is Apache, a free, open-source application that is used to host nearly half of all websites. We recommend using XAMPP, which is a free suite of webhosting tools that includes Apache, MySQL (database software), PHP (server-side scripting), and FTP software (for uploading and downloading files) in a single cohesive package.

Once you have decided on a webhosting application, installed it, and tested it locally (such as visiting http://localhost/ in a browser to see the default webpage), you may move on to the next step. (Please note: DynDNS.com cannot provide support for service installation or setup. You will need to contact the software or hardware authors for more help.)

2. Configure port forwarding and firewalls

Now that your webserver is installed and running, the next step is to configure your network to allow remote access. To do this, you will need to configure your router's port forwarding settings. Please visit PortForward.com for a list of guides by router and service. By default, HTTP uses TCP on port 80. You will also need to allow this port in your firewall software, such as Windows Firewall or Norton Internet Security.

3. Test your network

When you have configured port forwarding in your router, you will need to test your network externally (from outside). To do this, get your network's external IP address from CheckIP, then have a friend try to visit the IP address or use our Open Port Tool to test your network. If your network is configured properly, your friend should be able to see your website, and you can continue to the next step; if not, please see the Troubleshooting section for some common problems.

4. Create an account and Dynamic DNS host

Now that your webserver is installed and working, and visitors from outside your network can view your website, you can begin using Dynamic DNS. Create and confirm an account, then create a free Dynamic DNS host. The Dynamic DNS host should be assigned to your network's external IP address. Once your host is created, wait a few minutes for the service to activate, then have your friend (or our Open Port Tool) test your network using the host (e.g. http://myphotosite.dyndns.org).

If all goes well, you should see the same results as using the IP address directly, which indicates that the Dynamic DNS host is working properly.

5. Install an update client

The last step is to configure an update client, which will keep your new Dynamic DNS host up-to-date with your network's external IP address. If your router has a section for DynDNS.com (sometimes DynDNS.org), this is an update client. Enter your username, password and hostname, and the router will tell us when your IP changes so that your Dynamic DNS host will always be correct.

If you do not have a hardware update client, you can install a software update client on a computer anywhere in the network (typically your server computer). We recommend using a software client whenever possible, since they are easier to troubleshoot and configure than hardware update clients.

Troubleshooting

This section strictly covers the Dynamic DNS and Custom DNS services. If you are having problems setting up a server for the first time, please see our general troubleshooting article Why Can't I Connect to My Server?

Remember, if your Dynamic DNS or Custom DNS host resolves properly to the correct IP address for your network, any problems you are experiencing are not related to your DNS service. To check your host's DNS, use our DNSCog dig utility; If your service resolves, the issue is not a DNS error.

My webserver is running, but visitors can't reach my website.

This problem is usually related to port forwarding. Ensure that your router is properly configured to forward the necessary ports for your software, usually TCP on port 80. You can learn more about port forwarding here. If you are still having trouble, please see our detailed Why Can't I Connect to My Server? troubleshooting guide for more help.

My website lags or times out.

No traffic passes through DynDNS.com, so problems such as slow loading times are caused by connection problems at the remote network (or the client's network). The Dynamic DNS and Custom DNS services have no impact on connection speed, bandwidth, quality of service or any other networking issues.

What are the security risks of using Dynamic DNS?

The Dynamic DNS service does not create any new security vulnerabilities for your network. It is simply an easy way of locating your services. You should take steps to properly secure your network, such as a properly configured router, firewalls, up-to-date antivirus software, and common security practices such as strong passwords (eight characters in length with at least one capital letter, one number and one symbol such as @ or _) and strictly limited access (e.g. FTP access for a single subdirectory, not your entire Apache installation). You should also regularly update your webserver software, its components (e.g. PHP), and any publishing software you may use (e.g. Wordpress).

What am I allowed to host with my Dynamic DNS service?

As long as the content you provide is legal within United States federal law and New Hampshire state law, you may host anything you like: a blog, a personal photo gallery, family website, sites for local businesses or charities, and so on. You may use your service for commercial purposes, though we recommend purchasing a Dynamic DNS Pro upgrade for the added benefits. You may also be interested in purchasing Custom DNS and domain registration to have your own professional domain name (e.g. mybusiness.com).