Introduction
Dynamic DNS (DDNS) is used to access your home network from anywhere in the world using a simple domain/web address, if your public IP address changes continuously. This is mostly used if your ISP gives you a connection type in dynamic IP that changes often. With Dynamic DNS, you don’t need to remember your continuously changing IP address you just use your custom domain name like myrouter.ddns.net to reach your network devices, such as cameras or servers, remotely.
Here’s a simple and easy tip on how to set up Dynamic DNS on your router.
Step 1: Choose a Dynamic DNS (DDNS) Provider
Before configuration, you will need to register with a DDNS service provider. Some popular Provider:
- No-IP (offers both free & paid plans)
- DynDNS (It’s paid)
- DuckDNS (It’s free)
Sign up with your DDNS providers, and create a new hostname, like myrouter.ddns.net, that you will use to access your home network from outside.
Step 2: Open Your Router Setting
- Connect to your router through an Ethernet cable or Wifi.
- Open any web browser and enter your router’s IP address in the URL search bar (the most common default IP addresses are 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1).
- Log in to the home router’s admin panel. If you haven’t changed the username and password before. It is mostly something like admin for both the username and password (check your router user manual if you’re confirmed).
Where is Locate the DDNS Settings option
- Once you’re logged in to your router, search the Dynamic DNS (DDNS) settings. This is mostly found in Advanced Settings or Internet Settings, it depends on your router model.
- Find Dynamic DNS and enable it by clicking Enable.
Configure DDNS on Your Home Router
- Select DDNS Provider: In the router’s Dynamic DNS settings, select the DDNS provider you signed up with for example No-IP, or DynDNS.
- Enter Account details: You will need to enter on your router DDNS setting
- Your Username, Email, Password, and Hostname you created.
Also Check: The Main Difference Between Modems and Routers
Test the Setup
- To test whether the Dynamic DNS configuration is working, disconnect your mobile device from your home Wifi and switch to mobile data or another network.
- Open the web browser, and enter your Dynamic DNS hostname (myrouter.ddns.net).
- If everything is configured correctly, this remote address should take you back to your home wifi network, it’s allowing you to access your devices remotely from anywhere.
Extra Tips
- Port Forwarding: If you want to access connected devices on your network like security cameras or multimedia servers, you will need to configure port forwarding on your router.
- Security: Upgrade your router up to date and you may need to add extra protection like a firewall or VPN to secure your network.