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Comprehensive Guide: Setting up DynDNS Updater for Cloudflare

Step 1: Choose a Dynamic DNS Provider

  • DynDNS offers a free dynamic DNS service that automatically updates your domain's IP address when it changes.
  • Sign up for a DynDNS account and obtain your domain name and authentication credentials.

Step 2: Install and Configure DynDNS Updater

  • Download the DynDNS Updater binary for your platform: https://dynupdate.com/downloads/
  • Run the updater with the following command: ./dynupdate -u <username> -p <password> -h <host>
  • Replace <username>, <password>, and <host> with your DynDNS credentials and domain name.

Step 3: Configure Cloudflare DNS Records

  • Log in to your Cloudflare account and manage your domain's DNS records.
  • Create two TXT records:
    • One record with the name _dynupdate and value [DynDNS token]
    • One record with the name <your domain name> and value [ Cloudflare IP]

Step 4: Obtain Dynamic IP Address

  • Use a script or external service to retrieve your current IP address.
  • This can be done using tools like ipinfo.io or curl ipinfo.io/ip.

Step 5: Update DynDNS Record

  • Write a script that runs the DynDNS updater every time the IP address changes.
  • The script should:
    • Retrieve the current IP address.
    • Update the _dynupdate TXT record with the new token.
    • Update the <your domain name> A record with the new IP address.

Step 6: Automate the Process

  • Use a cronjob or systemd service to automatically run the update script at regular intervals.
  • This ensures that your DNS records are always up-to-date and point to the correct IP address.

Tips:

  • Choose a reliable script or service for IP address retrieval to minimize downtime.
  • Update the frequency of updates based on your network's stability and requirements.
  • Consider using a dedicated machine or container for DynDNS Updater to ensure consistent performance.

Further Resources:

Note: This guide provides a basic overview of the process. For more advanced configurations and specific scenarios, refer to the official DynDNS and Cloudflare documentation.

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