Why We Recommend Software Clients

In theory, there is little difference between DDNS update client software and clients built into devices such as routers, webcams and CCTV systems. In fact, some manufacturers simply embed existing update clients such as inadyn or ddclient into their firmware and call it a day. This would allow customers a "set and forget" convenience and allow many devices to become self-reliant, avoiding the need for an always-on computer.

In practice, however, we have found these hardware-based update clients are often far inferior to software clients for a number of reasons. Below is an overview of the pros and cons for both software clients and embedded hardware clients:

  Pros Cons
Software
  • Easy to install
  • Better notification
  • Supports HTTPS
  • Less error-prone
  • More fault-tolerant
  • More frequent bug fixes
  • Requires always-on PC
Hardware
  • No PC required
  • Clients often poorly written or implemented
  • Potentially insecure, usually lacks HTTPS support
  • Lacks extra functionality of software clients
  • Poor documentation and status reporting
  • Infrequent bug fixes (firmware revision dependent)
  • Often update at set intervals, resulting in blocked hosts

As you can see, the number of benefits for software clients and the sheer volume of problems with hardware clients clearly tips the scales in software clients' favor. Software clients are universally better at sending secure, reliable updates for your hosts, while many hardware clients are slapdash, just-barely-operable implementations that can result in hosts being blocked for update abuse. The only time you should use a hardware client is in networks where there is no available always-on computer, such as monitoring a CCTV at a summer home; outside of this limited circumstance, we always recommend using a software client instead of a potentially risky hardware-based client.

One last and very important difference is that DynDNS.com fully supports its official DynDNS® Update Client for Windows and Mac OSX, and general support for its recommended *nix clients; DynDNS.com cannot provide any support for hardware update clients, and must refer customers to the manufacturer for any problems they may experience.