There are two specific definitions that Dynamic Domain Name System (DDNS) applies to: an automated system that simply updates DNS records without any hands-on involvement, and a more lightweight system that swiftly and immediately refreshes DNS records for devices that frequently change their location or IP address.
Standard Versus Dynamic
Though the standard IP address is static, a Dynamic DNS allows for a name server to be immediately updated upon relocation. Because the reconfiguration happens in real time, the switch happened seamlessly.
The standard DNS model takes a much longer time to update then the dynamic model. The standard DNS model is used by major websites such as Google, and updating it could easily take a matter of hours. Standard DNS is generally best-suited for any service that will not have a constant need to change its IP address.
Though most large businesses generally only require a single static address, the end-users of the Internet are given dynamic addresses. Small businesses may also be given dynamic addresses.
Dynamic DNS Benefits
Certain servers are more prone to changing their IP addresses than others. Internet service providers have a constant need to update their IP address on a frequent basis. In addition to the Internet service providers, mobile devices that are constantly being carried from place to place need to be able to connect to different hosts without any loss in functionality.
Generally, dynamic service will be refried at no cost as a default installation in the router, mobile device, or computer. Though there are several web-based dynamic updating solutions, the flow of communication between the device and service provider generally aren’t kept to any absolute standard.
Potential Drawbacks
Though a dynamic system does take care of the problem that rapid updates can cause, there are some potential drawbacks.
If an end Internet user wants to provide any kind of service to other Internet users, and their IP address is constantly changing because of a Dynamic DNS, then there may be a bit of a stability problem. If an IP address of a service provider is constantly changing, then the domain name of the service provider will need to be swiftly and frequently re-mapped to stay accessible to the users.
History
When home Internet use became mainstream for the first time, IP addresses became scarce very quickly. The low number of available IP addresses was solved with the implementation of the Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP).
With the introduction of the DHCP, Internet service providers could immediately assign each Internet-connected computer its own IP address as soon as the connection was established. Today, administrators who find dynamic update configuration tedious may be able to get relief from DNS server software systems that contain their own DHCP server by default.
In the past, public dynamic updates provided an opportunity for unscrupulous hackers to break through online security. In response to the security breaches, several defensive methods have been designed to make DNS updates safer and more stable.
Conclusion
The Dynamic Domain Name System allows both the registration and discovery of any public IP address to be smoothly automated. Every device in a private network can be connected to a private host name. Casual Internet users, small businesses, and cyber security personnel can all benefit from what Dynamic DNS has to offer.
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