Frequently Asked Questions

What’s a hostname?.

What’s a hostname? The term hostname refers to the unique part that identifies a host on the Internet. In www.ddns.ma, www is the hostname. In that same example, ddns.ma is the domain name. The host portion prepended to the domain name is often referred to as the hostname and that is how we use the term here. So, in summary, www is the host, ddns.ma is the domain, and www.ddns.ma is the hostname. Our free dynamic DNS service offers free hostnames on our domains i.e. yourname.ddns.ma. If you would like hostnames on your own domain name, you will need to register the domain and purchase Plus Managed DNS.

An IP address is a unique number that allows computers to locate each other on a network. The Internet is a big network and uses IP addresses to route communication to the proper host. The IP in IP address stands for Internet Protocol. An IP address looks like this: 81.192.190.112.

A Dynamic IP address is one that is not static. It changes from time to time. If you are unsure if your IP address is static or dynamic, chances are pretty high that it is dynamic. They are more cost effective for your ISP.A Dynamic IP address is one that is not static. It changes from time to time. If you are unsure if your IP address is static or dynamic, chances are pretty high that it is dynamic. They are more cost effective for your ISP.

Imagine that once a day at a random time your phone company changed your telephone number. If there was no way to look it up no one would be able to call you! This is what a dynamic IP address effectively is. It’s a changing phone number. The number used to find your computer on the Internet can be different each time you log on, or at the discretion of your ISP. Dynamic DNS is like a live phone book that updates itself when your number changes. It knows your number at any given time so that people can connect to you. To make sure the dynamic DNS server has your proper IP address, your computer must run an update client to let the server know when your IP address has changed.

A static IP address is one that doesn’t change, it is assigned to you by your ISP (Internet Service Provider) and often costs extra money. A static IP address is yours and will never change (unless you cancel the subscription).

If you have a router at home or your office, you will need to forward ports in order for outside traffic to get into your network. Think of your router as being a huge electric fence or wall, with a few doors or openings. This electric fence, or wall serves as your barrier and security blanket from the scary outside Internet world. Your router comes pre-configured with a few of those doors (or ports) open to let you access the internet, but the others are closed tight. So, in order to run a mail server, game server, access your computer remotely, etc you will need to open an extra door or two in your router in order for the outside traffic to get inside. This is called Port Forwarding

General Port Forwarding Guide

Port forwarding guide for the absolute beginner:

1. The very first thing that we need to find is your router’s default gateway IP address. Accessing this IP address will yield your router’s online user interface, which will allow you to completely configure your router and also provides administrative tools.
2. Finding your default gateway.
3. If you are using a Windows-based computer, (Vista or later) we simply need to access a command prompt. To access your command prompt, simply click on the “Start” menu button, and search for “CMD”
4. After selecting your command prompt you should see a small black empty window.
5. In this black window, we are going to type “ipconfig” and hit enter. After hitting enter, you will see a lot of information generate. If you scroll up slightly, you should see your “Default Gateway” and an IP address right next to it.
6. Taking the default gateway IP address and entering it into a web browser address bar should prompt you for a username and password log in. If you do not know your router’s username and password, chances are they are still set to the default username and password. Usually the default username and password combination will be listed on the actual router.
7. If you have never port forwarded a router before, chances are you may be able to find a port-forwarding guide for your particular router/application on portforward.com.