Dynamic DNS Services for BBS Sysops
Dynamic Domain Name Services (DNS) provide a way for BBS users to be able to find and connect to BBS systems no matter what IP address the BBS is currently using. This keeps the BBS user from trying to find where you are at each time they try to access your BBS.
Overview On Dynamic Domain Name Services
Most people on the Internet are familiar with the concept of IP addresses. Each domain “name” translates to an IP address. This works because in most cases for web sites the IP addres is “fixed” or a Static IP address. For the common Internet user connection, this normally not the case. It would be physically impossible to assign a unique IP address for each user. There are just NOT enough IP addresses to go around. The solution that most Internet providers use is a method called Dynamic IP addresses. The advantage is that an ISP requires maybe a quarter (or less) of the number of IP addresses for the number of subscribers. As long as one is assigned to the normal web surfer then they log on, it doesn’t matter what IP is given to them as long as they have one. But if you’re operating a INBOUND system (i.e. a Telnet BBS) this is bad news because under normal circumstances they cannot find you unless they know your current IP address.
Fortunately there is a way around this problem. The solution is the Dynamic Domain Name Service (Dynamic DNS). With a Dynamic DNS Service, you are assigned a “fixed” address which will stay the same no matter what IP your ISP gives you when you log on. You run a piece of software in the background called an IP broadcaster which sends your current IP to the Dynamic Domain Name Service. It in turn accepts any requests for your IP when a BBS user wants to log on. The user types in the fixed address, gets the IP from the Dynamic Domain Name service (which is given to them by the program mentioned above) and they can connect to your BBS.
These services come in two flavors – free and pay services. Pay services generally are rather cheap. However, don’t think a pay service company has any more reliability of working all the time than a free service. Be aware of what service you choose for the reliability of the service before you spend money on one.
As mentioned above, you need to run a program to send your IP address to the Dynamic Domain Name service. These programs are available for most common operating systems (Windows, OS/2, Linux, etc.) and some are freeware or shareware depending on who made it.
Examples of Dynamic DNS Services
The following is a brief list of Dynamic Domain Name Services. The BBS Corner does not endorse any of these services, rather it provides a potential shopping guide for the new user to choose from.
Offers both free and paid Dynamic IP services. Offers the option of running a utility on your computer that automatically updates your IP address so you don’t have to update it when your ISP changes your IP address. Fees: Free for basic services, Enhanced for $25/year, and Managed DNS for $30/year.
DHS International is a provider of services to the Internet community, ranging from domain names to web redirection and other services. Fees: $5 one-time donation.
The BBS Organization provides Domain Name Services for users with dynamic or static IP addresses. Works with any type of Internet connection, including cable modem, DSL, dial-up, ISDN, and wireless. All platforms are supported as well including Win9X/NT/2000/XP, Unix, and Mac. Fees: None.
Duck DNS is a free service which will point a DNS (sub domains of duckdns.org) to an IP of your choice. Fees: None.
Dynamic DNS services by CanWeb Internet Services. Fees: Basic service $30/year, Pro service $70/year. 30 day free trial.
DynDNS (Dynamic DNS Network Services)
Dynamic and static DNS services, plus web page redirection. Fees: $55/year with a 7 day free trial
There is a website that lists other Dynamic DNS providers (free and paid) at this address: https://www.maketecheasier.com/best-dynamic-dns-providers/ (URL checked September 2022)
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