Dynamic DNS - DDNS For Security Appliance Manufacturers

DDNS For Security Appliance Manufacturers

Dynamic DNS is an expected feature or even requirement for IP based security appliances like DVRs and IP cameras. Many options are available for today's manufacturer, and these include the use of existing DDNS services like dyn.com or no-ip.com or the use of custom services hosted by the manufacturer themselves. A manufacturer may choose to develop their own DDNS software or use a readymade software product like MintDNS or GNUDIP.

In almost all cases, a simple http based update API is used as it allows for easy integration of a DDNS client into a device's firmware. There are many pre-made tools that exist that can help to ease the burden of client development even further like cURL or Inadyn. Most web-based DDNS services use a standard user name and password security schema. This requires that a user first create an account at the DDNS server website and then configure their device to send updates to the DDNS server whenever an IP address change is detected. This is the method used by almost all web based DDNS services.

Some device manufacturers go a step further by only allowing their DDNS Service to be used by the devices they manufacture, and also eliminate the need for user names and passwords altogether. Generally this is accomplished by encrypting the device's MAC address using an encryption algorithm kept secret on both the DDNS server and within the device's firmware. The resulting decryption or decryption failure is used to secure or deny updates. Resources for the development of custom DDNS services are generally limited and involve a full software development cycle to design and field a secure and robust DDNS server. Some pre-made software products are available, though, and a few companies that specialize in the development of secure custom DDNS services do exist.