Final answer:
Dynamic DNS (DDNS) automatically updates DNS records when the IP address of the host changes, allowing constant access to a network with a fixed domain name despite a changing IP. A client on your network detects IP address changes and updates the DNS records with the DDNS service provider, ensuring the domain name always directs to the current IP address. It benefits home networks or small businesses with dynamic IP addresses.
Step-by-step explanation:
A dynamic DNS (DDNS) service automatically updates the DNS (Domain Name System) records for your domain when the IP address of the host changes. This is particularly useful for home networks or small businesses where the Internet Service Provider assigns a dynamic IP address that changes periodically. With DDNS, you can assign a fixed domain name to your home network and the service will continuously update the corresponding DNS record to reflect the current IP address of your network. This way, you can access your network using the same domain name even though the underlying IP address may change.
To understand how DDNS works, imagine you have a surveillance system in your home that you want to access remotely. Usually, accessing a device or service remotely over the Internet requires knowing its IP address. If your ISP provides you with a dynamic IP, that address can change without notice, and you'd have to find out what the new one is to connect to your surveillance system. This is where DDNS comes in. You configure your router (or another device) with DDNS so that every time your home IP changes, the router contacts the DDNS service to update your domain with the new IP. You can then always reach your surveillance system by simply typing in your domain name.
DDNS services work by providing a client program, which is usually installed on your router or another network device. This client frequently checks your network's public IP address. When it detects a change, it reports the new IP address to the DDNS provider, which then updates the DNS records accordingly. As a result, when someone wants to reach your network via your domain name, the updated DNS record will direct them to the correct, current IP address of your home or business network.