Setting Up Integrated DDNS

DDNS (Dynamic Domain Name Server) is a method which allows you to create a static hostname even when the external IP address of the controller is not fixed. The controller contains an integrated DDNS client which automatically updates the DDNS provider whenever the IP address changes.

Controllers currently support two DDNS providers: Duck DNS (free provider) and No-IP (free accounts available, paid plans for further services).

In order to set up DDNS, the controller must be port forwarded so that it is externally accessible.

Setting Up Duck DNS

Duck DNS can be used for HTTPS certification via third-party certificates.

  1. Browse to Duck DNS and create a free account by signing in with Google or another existing account.

    Take note of the Token that is generated when you create your account.

  2. Create a new subdomain. The full hostname will have the form [subdomain].duckdns.org.
  3. The Current IP field should automatically populate with the external IP address of your network. Ensure that this is the controller's externally accessible IP address.
  4. Access the controller's web interface by typing its IP address into the address bar of a web browser, then log in with your username and password.
  5. Navigate to the System Settings.
  6. In the Adaptor - Onboard Ethernet tab, select the Enable DDNS checkbox.
  7. Enter the Hostname [subdomain].duckdns.org and DDNS Server duckdns.org.
  8. Leave the DDNS Username blank. For the DDNS Password, enter the Token generated by your Duck DNS account.
  9. Save your settings.

  10. Confirm that the controller is externally accessible by browsing to the hostname on another PC.

    If the controller's external port is not the default port, you will need to append the port number to the URL (e.g. controller.duckdns.org:1000).

Setting Up No-IP

The free No-IP Dynamic DNS service does not support third-party certification. This is only supported with the additional Plus Managed DNS service.

  1. Browse to No-IP and create a Dynamic DNS account (free or paid as required).

    Free Dynamic DNS hostnames provided by No-IP require confirmation every 30 days, whereas paid accounts do not.

  2. Create a new Hostname and select a Domain.
  3. Ensure that the IP Address matches the controller's externally accessible IP address.
  4. Access the controller's web interface by typing its IP address into the address bar of a web browser, then log in with your username and password.
  5. Navigate to the System Settings.
  6. In the Adaptor - Onboard Ethernet tab, select the Enable DDNS checkbox.
  7. Enter the Hostname and DDNS Server.
  8. Enter the Username and Password that you used to sign up to No-IP.
  9. Save your settings.

  10. Confirm that the controller is externally accessible by browsing to the hostname on another PC.

    If the controller's external port is not the default port, you will need to append the port number to the URL (e.g. controller.ddns.org:1000).