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Using Dynamic DNS in cPanel

Using Dynamic DNS in cPanel

Introduction

Dynamic DNS in cPanel is a service that automatically updates the IP address associated with your domain name. This is useful if you have a dynamic IP address, which is an IP address that changes periodically. For example, if your home internet connection uses a cable modem or DSL modem, it will likely be assigned a dynamic IP address.

Dynamic DNS (DDNS) is used by a variety of services, such as remote access, VoIP, and home automation. It allows you to connect to your services from anywhere in the world, regardless of your IP address.

Dynamic DNS is used by a variety of services, such as remote access, VoIP, and home automation. It allows you to connect to your services from anywhere in the world, regardless of your IP address.

Quick Start Guide

What is Dynamic DNS?

Dynamic DNS automatically updates your DNS records when your IP address changes. This is essential for maintaining a stable connection for services hosted on a network with a dynamic IP.

How to Set Up Dynamic DNS in cPanel

Locate the Dynamic DNS Feature: In your cPanel dashboard, navigate to the ‘Domains’ section and select ‘Dynamic DNS’.

Create your Domain: Click on the “Create New Dynamic DNS Client” button.

Enter your domain name and the IP address of the device that you want to use for Dynamic DNS.
Click on the “Create” button.

The Dynamic DNS interface presents a table displaying your DDNS domains and their associated information. You can also execute actions for the domains you select. The table includes the following details:

Domain: The DDNS domain you can access in your web browser. If a description exists for the DDNS domain, it will be displayed alongside the domain name. Clicking a domain in this column will reveal additional options:

Description: Use this text box to add or update a DDNS domain’s description. Click “Save” to apply your changes or “Cancel” to discard them.
Last Update Time: The most recent time the IP address for the DDNS domain was changed.
Last Run Time: The most recent time an IP address update request was initiated. If the IP address remains unchanged between requests, the server keeps the domain’s IP address the same.
IP Address: The IPv4 or IPv6 address or addresses resolved by the DDNS domain. This IP address is synchronized with the dynamic IP address of the network’s router.
URL: The webcall URL. A device on your dynamic IP address network calls this URL to update the IP address for the DDNS domain.
SSL Certificate (if available): The SSL certificate for the DDNS domain, if it exists. Click “View SSL Certificate” to view or copy the certificate.

Configuring Your Router for Dynamic DNS

Establishing Dynamic DNS (DDNS) on your router allows your subdomain to be consistently reachable even if your IP address changes periodically. While specific configurations vary across router models and DDNS clients, the general approach involves identifying the DDNS settings interface, selecting a custom DDNS provider, and providing the necessary authentication credentials.

In most cases, the process entails:

Locating the DDNS configuration interface: Consult your router’s manual or online documentation to identify the specific DDNS settings section.
Selecting a custom DDNS provider: This setting typically prompts you to choose between pre-configured providers and a custom option. Select the “Custom DDNS” or similar option to proceed.
Provide the WebCall URL: Copy and paste the WebCall link displayed in the URL column into your router to establish a connection between your router and cPanel. This will be periodically called and update the DNS entry to your current IP address.
Optionally configuring SSL: Enabling SSL encryption is highly recommended to safeguard your credentials while communicating with cPanel. Click the “View SSL Certificate” button to generate and copy the SSL certificate for your domain.
Saving the configuration: Once all settings are entered correctly, save the configuration to activate DDNS on your router.

If you encounter any issues during the configuration process, refer to the documentation for your specific router or DDNS client. Popular open-source router and firewall software documentation includes:

Once configured, your router will periodically contact cPanel via the provided webcall URL to update your domain’s IP address information. This ensures that your SmartHost domain remains accessible regardless of your dynamic IP address changes.

Manage a DDNS domain’s SSL certificate

Use cPanel’s SSL/TLS Status interface (Security » SSL/TLS) to:

Check the status of your DDNS domain’s certificate.
Request a new SSL certificate for a DDNS domain.

You can also use the SSL/TLS Status interface if your DDNS domain displays the No certificate available for this domain message.

Summary

Dynamic DNS is a service that automatically updates the IP address associated with your domain name. This is useful if you have a dynamic IP address, which is an IP address that changes periodically. There are several benefits to using Dynamic DNS, such as being able to access your home network from anywhere in the world, connect to your remote access software, and use VoIP.

There are two ways to set up Dynamic DNS for your domain name: using the cPanel Dynamic DNS interface or configuring your router for Dynamic DNS. If you are having problems with Dynamic DNS, there are a few things you can check, such as making sure that you have entered your domain name and IP address correctly, ensuring that your Dynamic DNS provider is up and running, and verifying that your internet connection is stable.

Dynamic DNS is secure, as it typically uses HTTPS to communicate with the Dynamic DNS provider. Other important things to note about Dynamic DNS include that updates are scheduled to occur every few minutes and some Dynamic DNS providers offer additional features.