The term hostname refers to the unique part that identifies a host on the Internet. In www.noip.com , www is the hostname. In that same example, noip.com 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, no-ip.com is the domain, and www.no-ip.com is the hostname. Our free dynamic DNS service offers free hostnames on our domains i.e. yourname.ddns.net. If you would like hostnames on your own domain name, you will need to register the domain and purchase Plus Managed DNS. Plus Managed DNS allows you to create up to 50 hostnames on your very own domain.

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 the communication to the proper host. The IP in IP address stands for Internet Protocol. An IP address looks like this 8.23.224.107. If you type 8.23.224.107 into your browser, it will bring you to the No-IP website.

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).

Our Dynamic DNS Update Client continually checks for IP address changes in the background and automatically updates the DNS at No-IP whenever it changes. You will need to download and install our Dynamic Update Client (DUC) on a computer that is located within the local network of the device. You will then need to keep the DUC running at all times, in order to keep your hostname updated with the correct IP address. Our DUC is available for download on Windows, Mac, and Linux.

An integrated Dynamic DNS device is a device that has Dynamic DNS capabilities built into it. This means that it is connected to the Internet and it is capable of sending an update to your No-IP account when your IP address changes. Routers, cameras, NVR/DVRs and NAS typically have Dynamic DNS integrated and are worth checking if you have one. If your router has No-IP as an Integrated Dynamic DNS provider when setting up and configuring your account, you will not need to have our Dynamic Update Client installed and running on your computer. You will simply choose No-IP in your device (typically located in the Remote Access or Dynamic DNS settings), then enter your No-IP account credentials and choose the hostname that you would like to keep the device updated to. You can check out our Knowledge Base for more information on how to configure DDNS in a Router.

It’s not a problem if No-IP isn’t an Integrated solution in your device, but you should take a few seconds to write an email or tweet to your device manufacturer and ask them to add No-IP as a Dynamic DNS provider. It will make your life easier, we swear. In the mean time… If No-IP is not an integrated solution in your router or device, we offer an easy and free solution. Simply download our Dynamic Update Client, which is available for Windows, Mac, and Linux. Install the software at the location where you would like your IP address to be updated with your hostname. The Dynamic Update Client must be running at all times in order to keep your hostname updated with the current IP address.