Dynamic DNS

Normally, a hostname is tied to a fixed IP address. This works well if the server the hostname is used for has a static IP address. However, a static IP address is not always an option. In order to tie a hostname to a dynamic IP address, a Dynamic DNS service can be used.

Setting up a dynamic IP address

In the web interface, go to Services ‣ Dynamic DNS. In the upper right corner, click Add.

A form will now appear with the following fields:

Field	Explanation
Enable	Enable this rule (allows turning entries off without removing them).
Service type	The provider of your Dynamic DNS Service. If you use one not in the list, select “Custom” or “Custom (v6)”.
Interface to monitor	This will usually be WAN.
Hostname	Enter the complete host/domain name. For example: myhost.dyndns.org
MX	Set this option only if you need a special MX record. Not all services support this. Note: with a dynamic DNS service you can only use a hostname, not an IP address.
Wildcards	Enable Wildcard
Verbose logging	Enable verbose logging
Username	Username is required for all types except Namecheap, FreeDNS and Custom Entries.
Password
Description	A description to easily identify this rule in the overview.

If you select “Custom” or “Custom (v6)” under “Service type”, more fields will appear:

Field	Explanation
Interface to send update from	Most likely to be the same as “Interface to monitor”.
CURL options	Options passed to the curl command. These include Verify SSL peer and Force IPv4 resolving.
Update URL	An URL to let the Dynamic DNS provider know your IP address has changed. See the “full help” for information on how to use it.
Result Match	Can be used to verify the reply from the server, in order to distinguish confirmations from errors. See the “full help” for information on how to use it.

Provider-specific info

Provider	Specifics
Custom / Custom (v6)	Username and Password fields represent HTTP Basic Authentication username and passwords.
Duck DNS	Username field: Enter your Token. Password field: Leave empty.
FreeDNS (freedns.afraid.org)	Password field: Enter your “Authentication Token”.
he.net	Username field: Leave empty. Password field: Enter your “Generated a DDNS key.”
he.net tunnelbroker	Hostname field: Enter your “Tunnel ID”.
Route 53	Username field: Enter your “Access Key ID”. Password field: Enter your “Secret Access Key”.
CloudFlare	Username field: Enter your email address. Password field: Enter your “Global API Key”.