​How to start using Dynamic DNS [Quick guide]

Before going to the quick guide on how to start using Dynamic DNS, let’s go a step before! Do you clearly know what Dynamic DNS is?

Definition of Dynamic DNS

Dynamic DNS (Domain Name System) is a service that helps you to link a domain name with a dynamic (changing) IP address.

For instance, having a home network with a router that connects to the Internet through an Internet service provider (ISP), the IP address of the router may change periodically. This can make it hard for you to remotely access devices or services on your home network because you need to know the current IP address of the device to get connected.

When you use Dynamic DNS, you can set up a domain name so it will always point to your device, despite its current IP address (IPv4 or IPv6). Every time the IP address of the device changes, the DDNS service will automatically update the DNS record to reflect the new IP address. This means you will always access your home network using the same domain name.

How to start using Dynamic DNS [Quick guide]

Now, it is time for a quick guide on how to start using Dynamic Domain Name System!

​Step 1. Pick a reliable Dynamic DNS service

There are many different providers. Research, and compare features, pricing, and reputation. Then pick a provider that fits your needs and budget.

​Step 2. Sign up for an account with your provider

Usually, DDNS website’s providers walk you through every step to create your account. It is not hard!

​Step 3. Set up a domain name

Choose a domain name for your device that is unique, easy to remember, and has not been registered by anyone else. This name is very important because, through it, you will be able to access your device from the Internet.

​Step 4. Configure your computer or router

Usually, this task involves entering the domain name you chose, the username, and the password (the one you received from the Dynamic DNS provider) into the settings of your computer or router. Some routers already have a built-in DDNS client that can be configured using the web-based interface, but others may need you to install separate client software.

​Step 5. Update the DNS record

As mentioned before, whenever the IP address of your computer or router changes, the DDNS service will have to update the DNS record to reflect the new IP address. This can be done automatically (by the computer or router) or manually (through a web-based interface or client software provided by your DDNS provider).

​Step 6. Now you can access your device or service remotely

You only need an Internet connection and the domain name you registered with your Dynamic DNS provider. Enter it in your browser, no matter where you are!

Conclusion

This is how to start using Dynamic DNS. It is not hard, and it is very useful for a variety of needs and applications!

TTL (Time-to-Live): Definition & Purpose

Time-to-Live (TTL) is a method that restricts how long data packets can remain online before a router discards them. It’s a critical component of the Internet, which is why we will explore it in detail in this article. Let’s start.

What does TTL (Time-to-Live) define?

TTL stands for “Time-to-Live.” The DNS record’s TTL setting determines how long a resolver must store a DNS query before it expires. Time-to-Live is frequently used to lighten the strain on your authoritative name servers and to expedite client DNS requests. This page discusses using Linux or Unix command-line parameters to determine a DNS record’s Time-to-Live.

How does it function?

All of the current website records that make up your entire site are stored on your authoritative domain server. Resolver servers verify your website’s name and its contents as the DNS website records travel and hop along the way (or packets). This method involves a lot of servers. When a record queries a server, the Time-to-Live count, which goes as high as 255, deducts 1 from the TTL number. The records continue to go across numerous servers and the Internet infrastructure to a final client (or workstation in the diagram above).

When the Time-to-Live count reaches “zero,” it means that 255 servers have handled the information. Unfortunately, the requested “packet” will be automatically deleted if this occurs. or ceases to “live.” This is referred to as TTL expiry, and if you tried to request a website, your browser would display the message “website not found.”

Recommendations to use TTL

The following significant considerations should be considered while specifying Time-to-Live:

  • The longer the TTL, the fewer times caching name servers must query authoritative name servers.
  • A longer TTL reduces a site’s perceived latency and its reliance on authoritative name servers.
  • The shorter the TTL, the faster the cached record will expire. This enables more frequent queries for the records.

To begin with, a longer Time-to-Live between an hour and 12 hours is acceptable if your website is hosted on a server that does not change IP for months. Fewer lookups would be required, and performance would be better and more consistent. You will need a TTL of between 1 and 10 minutes if you utilize our DNS Failover or Dynamic DNS services. Because dynamic DNS routinely changes your domain name’s IP address, and DNS failover may require you to be ready for the change.

What is “dhcp set ttl”?

On DHCP relay agents, the dhcp set ttl command is utilized. The Time-to-Live value of DHCP Discovery packets is, by default, decreased by 1 when a DHCP relay agent at Layer 3 forwards them. For example, assume that a DHCP Discovery message obtained by the DHCP relay agent has a TTL value of 1. The TTL value drops to 0 if the DHCP relay agent reduces it by 1. The next-hop routing device will discard the message because itsTime-to-Live value is 0. As a result, the DHCP relay agent forwarding the DHCP Discover message to the DHCP server is unsuccessful.

After the message is forwarded at Layer 3, use the dhcp set ttl command to set the Time-to-Live value of the DHCP Discovery message to a non-zero value to confirm that the DHCP server can receive the message provided by the client.

Conclusion

The Time-to-Live value is a crucial component that establishes the data’s validity time. It will indicate if the information is current or needs immediate updating. It facilitates data updating.

Anycast DNS – The real improvement of your network

Plain explanation of Anycast DNS purpose

To leverage the benefits of Anycast in the demanding DNS, “Anycast DNS” combines the two technologies. Anycast links a single IP address to multiple DNS servers over the Internet instead of unicast’s one-to-one connection. In the case of a query, a number of servers may respond to the request; typically, the server that is nearest to the user will respond. This lowers latency globally, improves the DNS service’s availability, and offers more defense against DDoS attacks. a straightforward idea that, in contrast to unicast, satisfies the needs of server infrastructures today.

Benefits

  • Simple configuration: You only need to configure it on one server. Additionally, the network as a whole can use these parameters.
  • A faster response time is achieved by directing to the nearest DNS server that is still operational.
  • Additional DDoS protection – In the event of a DDoS attack, only a portion of the entire Anycast DNS set of servers will be affected.
  • It provides reliability. By setting up numerous servers with the same IP address across various regions, Anycast implementation increases DNS reliability. As a result of the DNS servers’ redundancy, the service is now more highly available and dependable.

What if I do not have Anycast DNS?

The process will take longer if you don’t use Anycast DNS. If you aren’t using Anycast Domain Name System, you probably use unicast routing. Anycast and Unicast function differently. The query will be sent to a single server through unicast rather than to several. The client will then need to find a new solution by sending queries to other DNS resolvers, which will influence the time and speed if the resolver is unavailable or not functioning at the time of the request.

Anycast vs. Unicast DNS

Unicast DNS functions in a unique way from other DNS systems. DNS server data is kept on-site at the DNS server’s physical location, in contrast to the subject of our essay today. This implies that regardless of the user’s location, any devices that want to display your site will contact this server. Therefore, if your server is in Asia and the user is in Germany, the response latency will increase. Without a backup plan, the website would also be offline if your DNS server malfunctioned or compromised. This won’t happen, however, if you use Anycast Domain Name System since, in the event that the first server is down, you will be forwarded to the next nearest server.

Conclusion

It is definitely worth trying out Anycast Domain Name System! One efficient method for improving the functionality of your website.