Dynamic DNS periodic updates

[jrawle]

I decided to set up the 8800NL to update my dynamic DNS hostname with No-IP, as it seems more logical for the router to do this, not my PC. I set the "period" to 7 days initially to make sure it actually updates. An update is required at least once a month to avoid losing the hostname.

I set this up on 23 April. My IP address hasn't changed since, but when I log in to No-IP, it says it hasn't been updated since 12 April. Surely with the period set to 7 days, it should have updated by now?

Is there any logging so I can see if it's tried to updated but failed? There is nothing in the usual log file, which I have set to "Debugging" (although hardly anything appears in the log in any case).

If it doesn't update by next weekend, I'll simply disable it and revert to having my computer update it. But is my understanding of the "period" option correct?

[evansnp]

If you haven't got a static IP address, you should set the update time to '0'. This will then only send updates when your WAN IP changes. Note: having the router update No-IP's stored IP address is not sufficient to stop your account becoming inactive, you have to log into you account on a regular basis. I eventually changed to 'names cheap', as it offers a better service, at a lower cost (IMHO).
From memory, I think that you will see something in the log when you apply the settings, or at a router reboot.

[jrawle]

If you haven't got a static IP address, you should set the update time to '0'. This will then only send updates when your WAN IP changes. Note: having the router update No-IP's stored IP address is not sufficient to stop your account becoming inactive, you have to log into you account on a regular basis. I eventually changed to 'names cheap', as it offers a better service, at a lower cost (IMHO).
From memory, I think that you will see something in the log when you apply the settings, or at a router reboot.

You don't have to log in to retain an accont with No-IP. I have been using them quite successfully for some time now without ever logging in. It was the case with DynDNS (before they closed even grandfathered free accounts completely) that you had to log in (I had a script to do so automatically!) But it's not currently necessary with No-IP.

If the router won't send periodic updates, that's pretty useless. What's the update time value for, then?

I think I'll go back to using ddclient on my computer, which I know works properly, and I know what's going on with it.

[jrawle]

On second thoughts, before I bought the Billion, I switched my Home Hub 3 off every night, so had a different IP address each day. This was sufficient to keep my No-IP hostname alive. However, it isn't clear if pinging the service with the same IP will keep it alive. The No-IP support pages are a bit vague on this. If I figure it out, I'll keep you posted.

[evansnp]

I too had a free No-IP account, but it required a periodic login. If you didn't, you got a warning e-mail, stating that the account would be disabled in 30 days. If you haven't had to do this, and you don't have a paid account, then you are lucky
The time value does force an IP update notification, at the specified time interval, but setting the value to '0' only sends updates when they are needed i.e. when your WAN IP changes, thus reducing traffic.
From the 'No-IP' website:

Free hostnames must be updated every 30 days in order to keep them active. We do this to keep our network clear of unused hostnames. We send frequent notifications via email to remind you to update your hostname, or you can manually update your hostname by logging in to your No-IP account and clicking the “Hosts/Redirects” tab, click “Modify” next to the hostname you would like to update and click “Update” at the bottom right.

If you do not wish to do this every 30 days, you can upgrade to Enhanced Dynamic DNS. Enhanced Dynamic DNS removes the 30 day host activation requirement.

[jrawle]

My account certainly doesn't require regular logins, but it does require the IP address to be updated at least every 30 days. As I previously had a new IP address every day, I got away with it. Now I have the same address for longer, it's a different matter. I did search and found lengthy discussions relating to No-IP and ddclient. It seems there is no way to register an "update" with No-IP through if your IP hasn't changed. The options are therefore:

• Update temporarily to a fake IP, then back again
• Write a script that logs in and "modifies" the hostname automatically via the website. "Modifying" it to the same IP address does register an update, unlike using the API
• Set my router to reboot once a month to get a new IP address
• Use a different dynamic DNS provider, as you suggested

Thanks anyway for your replies!