Definition: DDNS is a service that maps Internet domain names to IP addresses. DDNS serves a similar purpose to DNS: DDNS allows anyone hosting a Web or FTP server to advertise a public name to prospective users.
Unlike DNS that only works with static IP addresses, DDNS works with dynamic IP addresses, such as those assigned by an ISP or other DHCP server. DDNS is popular with home networkers, who typically receive dynamic, frequently-changing IP addresses from their service provider. To use DDNS, one simply signs up with a provider and installs network software on their host to monitor its IP address.
Compared to ordinary DNS, the disadvantage of DDNS is that additional host software, a new potential failure point on the network, must be maintained.
Also Known As: dynamic DNS
