Configuring Dynamic DNS

Dynamic DNS (DDNS) is a service provided by various companies and organizations that dynamically changes IP addresses to automatically update DNS records without manual intervention. This service allows for network access using domain names rather than IP addresses, even when the target’s IP addresses change.

To configure Dynamic DNS on the SonicWALL security appliance, complete these steps:

1	Expand the Network tree and click Dynamic DNS. The Dynamic DNS page displays.

 

2	Click Add Dynamic DNS Profile.

The Add Dynamic DNS Profile window is displayed.

 

3	Select the Provider from the pull-down list at the top of the page. This example uses DynDNS.org. Dyndns.org requires the selection of a service. This example assumes you have created a dynamic service record with dyndns.org.

4	Enter a name to assign to the DDNS entry in the Profile Name field. This can be any value used to identify the entry in the Dynamic DNS Settings table.

5	If Enable this profile is checked, the profile is administratively enabled, and the SonicWALL security appliance takes the actions defined in the Online Settings section on the Advanced tab.

6	If Use Online Settings is checked, the profile is administratively online.

7	Enter your dyndns.org username and password in the User Name and Password fields.

8	Enter the fully qualified domain name (FQDN) of the hostname you registered with dyndns.org in the Domain Name field. Make sure you provide the same hostname and domain as you configured.

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Optionally, select a WAN interface in the Bound to pull-down menu to assign this DDNS profile to that specific WAN interface. This allows administrators who are configuring multiple-WAN load balancing to advertise a predictable IP address to the DDNS service. By default, this is set to ANY, which means the profile is free to use any of the WAN interfaces on the appliance. (The Bound to option is supported for appliances running SonicOS 5.6 and higher.

10	When using DynDNS.org, select the Service Type from the pull-down list that corresponds to your type of service through DynDNS.org. The options are:

•	Dynamic—A free Dynamic DNS service.

•	Custom—A managed primary DNS solution that provides a unified primary/secondary DNS service and a web-based interface. Supports both dynamic and static IP addresses.

•	Static—A free DNS service for static IP addresses.

11	When using DynsDNS.org, you might optionally select Enable Wildcard and/or configure an MX entry in the Mail Exchanger field. Check Backup MX if your DDNS provider allows for the specification of an alternative IP address for the MX record.

12	Click the Advanced tab. You can typically leave the default settings on this page.

 

13	The On-line Settings section provides control over what address is registered with the dynamic DNS provider. The options are:

•	Let the server detect IP Address—The dynamic DNS provider determines the IP address based upon the source address of the connection. This is the most common setting.

•	Automatically set IP Address to the Primary WAN Interface IP Address—This causes the SonicWALL device to assert its WAN IP address as the registered IP address, overriding auto-detection by the dynamic DNS server. Useful if detection is not working correctly.

•	Specify IP Address manually—Allows for the IP address to be registered to be manually specified and asserted.

14	The Off-line Settings section controls what IP Address is registered with the dynamic DNS service provider if the dynamic DNS entry is taken off-line locally (disabled) on the SonicWALL. The options are:

•	Do nothing—the default setting. This allows the previously registered address to remain current with the dynamic DNS provider.

•	Use the Off-Line IP Address previously configured at Providers site—if your provider supports manual configuration of Off-Line Settings, you can select this option to use those settings when this profile is taken administratively offline.

•	Make Host Unknown—Unregisters the entry.

•	Specify IP Address manually—Manually specify the IP address.

15	When you are finished, click Update. The settings are changed for the selected SonicWALL appliance. To clear all screen settings and start over, click Reset.