[solved] problem hosting behind dynamic dns using everydns

Running Pinata · n00b Joined: 07 Nov 2004 Posts: 37

Hello, I run a webserver behind a dynamic dyns (ip changes very frequently, curse you yahoo sbc dsl) and I use everydns as my nameserver. Everydns lets me update my ip one every two hours, however since my ip changes often there is alot of downtime on my site. Anybody know of a solution for my dilemma? Thanks.

jhmartin · Tux's lil' helper Joined: 03 Sep 2003 Posts: 95

Is your IP really changing that often? If so then a pure DNS solution isn't the way to go as DNS has propagation delay that can greatly exceed that. Instead you might want to look at a redirection service, such as http://www.dyns.cx/services/. That way all initial requests go to the central service, and it redirects them to the correct IP address. There's no propagation delay with this mechanism. The downside is that people will know that is what you are doing.

Running Pinata · n00b Joined: 07 Nov 2004 Posts: 37

thanks for the quick reply, yes I've thought about it, however wouldn't my ssl thingies not work? (I'm also hosting a mail server over imap-ssl)
Initally I was thinking of just creating a php script that just updates an index.php of a free service that forwards to my ip, except my services won't work.
Note that I use the dynamic dns resolution service of everydns.

jhmartin · Tux's lil' helper Joined: 03 Sep 2003 Posts: 95

Yeah, SSL would be hosed.

I have Comcast, which also has a dynamic IP. I solved this problem by renting a Linode from [url=http://www.linode.com]. Their smallest server is $20/month and can run a small mail / web server, although probably not with SpamAssassin.

Running Pinata · n00b Joined: 07 Nov 2004 Posts: 37

yea, I used to have a host but since their support team sucks, I decided to host my own. I think I can get around my problem by updating the ip of my computer when it changes. However, since my server does not plug into the modem directly, it doesn't know when the isp changes my ip.
My proposed solution was.... run a cronjob that checks up whatismyip.com or some ip detection site / or somehow access my router and check my ip and see if has changed. If changed then run the eDNS.pl (dynamic dns ip updater) tool. Feasable? or not?

I guess I can first modify the TTL first and see if that has any effect first.

[edit]
ok I realized two things, my router was set up to disconnect if idle more than 5 mins (insert carlos mencia dur-dur-durr sound here), and there is no TTL setting in the dynamic dns on everydns.