up vote 2 down vote favorite
share [g+] share [fb]

Is it possible to connect to a computer without a static IP?

I used before a remote desktop software that allows this, but I now wanted to setup a PC to run like a web server, mostly for development. Is it possible?

link|improve this question
73% accept rate
feedback

2 Answers

up vote 4 down vote

Yep. A dynamic DNS provider can help. Examples of providers include Dyndns.org and No-ip.org, and will give you at least one domain name for free (free accounts are usually restricted to a couple well-known domains, and you can add your own name to the domain, e.g. mysite.homedns.org).

It works like this: You sign up for an account, pick a domain name, and download/install their provided "Dynamic Update Client." You then configure the DUC with your account information. The DUC then monitors your IP and issues updates to the provider when your IP changes. So then, "mysite.homedns.org" will always resolve to your dynamic IP, except for a brief window when the DUC picks up on an update and notifies the service of your new IP.

Have had good results with both No-IP and Dyndns. Been using Dyndns for over 5 years with no problems.

link|improve this answer
3  
Additionally, many consumer home routers have settings to perform updates for services like Dyndns, so you don't have to run the software. Check your router documentation for more information. – Justin Pearce May 4 '11 at 15:18
feedback
up vote 1 down vote

Look for a "dynamic DNS" service. There are several.

Note that domestic ADSL is assymetric and optimised for client usage not server usage. Your ISP terms and conditions may prohibit hosting a server.

link|improve this answer
feedback

Your Answer

 
or
required, but never shown
discard

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.