THE DDNS (Dynamic Domain Name Server):
A DDNS is an online service that allows you to create a website name and access your DVR through that permanent name instead of your changing IP address.
Note: The free ZmodoDNS is only available on the newer Network Video recording systems such as the NVR, PoE, and the new Fox series IP Cameras. Other models will not have this available. If you would like to learn how to setup the free Zmodo DNS service, check out KB article# 1080 (http://kb.zmodo.com/index.php?solution_id=1080)
· There are DDNS services built in to your DVR as well that you may choose from. The options are listed in the DDNS section of your DVR under the network menu. All Zmodo DVRs are compatible with the service at www.dyndns.com, except for the ZMD-DT-SNC4 and ZMD-DT-SCN8 which will work with NO-IP.com.
· For simplicity, we will use DYNDNS.com as the example for this article. This service (as of July, 2013) costs $25 per year and is usually cheaper than purchasing a static IP from your Internet provider. It’s also simple to set up!
· When you sign up for their $25 per year service at DYNDNS, you will create an account name and a password. Save this information!
· Log in with your user name and password at their website, and then you can create a host name(the website name). This will be similar to "namehere.dyndns.com."
· Next, in the DVR's menu under the network section is a DDNS setup section. This section will ask you for the following things:
o The service you are using, in this case “DYNDNS.”
o The username and password to the account you just created
o The hostname that you created
· Enter these pieces of information in to the DVR exactly as you created them, and apply/save these settings. Then restart the DVR to ensure the update takes place.
· You have now set up a reliable means of accessing your DVR without worry of your IP address changing. From now on you may use “namehere.dyndns.com” in place of your dynamic external IP address.