What is Dynamic DNS (DDNS), and how do I set it up at IU?
Dynamic DNS (DDNS) is an addition to the DNS standard. Dynamic DNS updates a DNS server with new or changed records for IP addresses without the need for human intervention. DDNS allows a fully qualified domain name (FQDN) that never changes to be associated with a dynamically assigned IP address that can change quite often. For example, you want to name your computer DarthVader.iu.edu but you are required to use DHCP. Even if you enter DarthVader in the “Computer Name” field of your computer properties, DNS servers anywhere would know you only by the FQDN associated with the IP address you are assigned. At Indiana University, if DHCP gives you an IP address of 156.56.0.1, your computer’s name to the entire Internet would not be DarthVader.iu.edu, but 156-56-0-1.dhcp-bl.indiana.edu. If you use DDNS, then the DNS servers will know not to assign you the normal DHCP FQDN, but will properly associate DarthVader.iu.edu with your computer’s current IP address. At IU, DDNS works for Windows V
