OpenVPN home IP address

B

bbwolfe

IPCT+ Member
Feb 10, 2025
136
40
us
Do most OpenVPN users have a DNS Host to access their home network or do they use the current actual external IP address?
It appears that the ISP can change our external IP address without our knowledge.
 
Although I don’t use OpenVPN, I use a DyDNS service since I don’t have a static IP, but it has not changed in 7+ years. That way I can access via a host name just in case it does change.
 
It's preferable, so you don't get locked out while away from home. Check your router to see if it has a built-in DNS service. They are typically easy to setup.
 
  • Like
Reactions: TonyR
looney2ns said:
It's preferable, so you don't get locked out while away from home. Check your router to see if it has a built-in DNS service. They are typically easy to setup.
Click to expand...
I am trying to understand. (I may not use the correct words here, but I will try)

Are you referring to the feature in Routers that allow us to set up a DDNS service?

I am currently paying NameCheap for a DNS hostname address. In my Router I set up DDNS to keep track of the changing ISP External IP address to my home and that keeps my Hostname up to date.
This allows OpenVPN to simply use my Hostname to locate my home IP address.

I was wondering if everyone that uses OpenVPN is also paying for a DNS Hostname to work, or if I could save money and do it a different way?
 
elvisimprsntr said:
Although I don’t use OpenVPN, I use a DyDNS service since I don’t have a static IP, but it has not changed in 7+ years. That way I can access via a host name just in case it does change.
Click to expand...
I was using DynDNS since 2011 but the price just got too high ($55). It started as $15 and does not provide a lot of other features for email addresses and email provider integration.
After a lot of research, I just moved to NameCheap ($12) and set up all these features.
 
No reason to pay for a DDNS if your router does it natively for free.

This forum also offers one:

IP Cam Talk DDNS

Free DDNS (Dynamic DNS) solution! Replace your dynamic IP with an easy to remember URL. Unlimited hostnames with an easy to use API.
ipcamtalk.com ipcamtalk.com
 
  • Like
Reactions: elvisimprsntr
I use CloudFlare who also does my DNS

Hard to beat CloudFlare
 
  • Love
Reactions: VideoDad
IReallyLikePizza2 said:
I use CloudFlare who also does my DNS

Hard to beat CloudFlare
Click to expand...
I have my domain (and several of its subdomains) hosted on CloudFlare. Can you tell me more how you've got yours setup? I'm looking for the best way to have a subdomain set to go to my public IP at home and also get updated automatically if the ISP changes it.
 
I use no-ip as my domain registrar, email, and DyDNS. One stop shopping and competent US based support.

blog.noip.com

The No-IP Advantage: Why Our US-Based Customer Support Sets Us Apart

With their responsiveness, expertise, and approachable demeanor, our US-based Customer Support team is able to provide not only personalized support to our users, but also ensure they successfully achieve their goals.
blog.noip.com blog.noip.com

Disclaimer: Not a paid endorsement.
 
Last edited:
elvisimprsntr said:
I use no-ip as my domain registrar, email, and DyDNS. One stop shopping and competent US based support.

blog.noip.com

The No-IP Advantage: Why Our US-Based Customer Support Sets Us Apart

With their responsiveness, expertise, and approachable demeanor, our US-based Customer Support team is able to provide not only personalized support to our users, but also ensure they successfully achieve their goals.
blog.noip.com blog.noip.com

Disclaimer: Not a paid endorsement.
Click to expand...
Don't be surprised if NO-IP screws you in the near future.

I've had their "Enhanced Dynamic DNS" with up to 25 hostnames for 10 years, since Nov. 2013.
They billed my credit card $22 every year and in 2016 it went up to $24.95 per year...no problem.
It remained at $24.95 per year for 7 years until Oct. 2023 when it jumped to $59.99 per year....no email, no warning....a 140% increase!
No way would I have approved that.

So I call them. They have no special extension for billing. They say go online to fill out a ticket, so I did, got a ticket number.
Waited a week, no response so I log in and look.....no ticket!

I cancelled of course but I'm paid up for a year whether I like it or not.
Bottom line? NO-IP is a bunch of crooks disguised as a legitimate DDNS provider.

Capital One was no help, I called it fraudulent and they had me filling out forms by the dozen so I dropped the issue...I can make 3 times that $$$ in the time it's takes me to fill out and submit the copies, etc.

I'd love for No-IP to read this or anyone else out there that has had a similar issue with them. NO-IP IS AS CROOKED AS A DOG'S HIND LEG
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top Bottom