I recently set up a server that I want to use as my primary hosting platform. So far, I've mapped some domains to it by setting up A records for them that point to my dynamic IP. As my IP can change randomly and without notice, however, I'm afraid of such downtime. Thus, I'm looking for a dynamic DNS solution.

So far, I've set up DynDNS, but I haven't found a way to use dynamic DNS with an existing domain. Are there any free dynamic DNS nameserver services available?

link|improve this question

Your question's a bit unclear. Can you rephrase? – Harv Jan 16 '11 at 2:02
feedback

4 Answers

up vote 5 down vote accepted

Instead of creating A records use CNAME records and point them to your Dyndns host.

So CNAME = WWW -> your.dyndns.addy

This covers your requirements and if you have configured dyndns to update automatically shouldn't require any further maintenance.

link|improve this answer
How should I configure my CNAME records? – Maxim Zaslavsky Jan 16 '11 at 2:04
Who is hosting DNS for your domains? – Ethos Jan 16 '11 at 2:05
I'm currently using CloudFlare. – Maxim Zaslavsky Jan 16 '11 at 2:14
cool, thanks! I'm about to try that out, but first, a quick question: is it possible to do a similar thing but without a subdomain? – Maxim Zaslavsky Jan 16 '11 at 3:19
feedback

I use http://freedns.afraid.org having using them for 2+ years without any problem. Disclaimer. I use it for home use and not production.

link|improve this answer
feedback

Note that the DynDNS Custom web page says:

Ability to update any hostname with dynamically changed IP address using standard update clients (Dynamic DNS feature for your domain).

so that appears to give you what you need. Unfortunately it costs $29.95 a year, which is not free. :(

link|improve this answer
That looks like what I need, except it's not free. :( but thanks anyway! – Maxim Zaslavsky Jan 16 '11 at 4:36
feedback

If its a single server, and main domain, zonedit works great. I use wget and a custom upgrade script, but a good many common dynamic dns clients work too.

link|improve this answer
feedback

Your Answer

 
or
required, but never shown

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.