Dynamic DNS

The final step in the installation process is to make it possible for KOB users to reach the server using a symbolic host name, such as mtc-ac.dyndns.org, instead of an actual IP address. To do this, we use the dynamic DNS service provided by Dynamic Network Services, Inc (aka Dyn, pronounced "dine"). I have a DynDNS Pro account which allows the definition of up to 30 symbolic host names. We're currently using just three: mtc-kob.dyndns.org, mtc-ac.dyndns.org, and mtc-cb.dyndns.org. Any KOB administrator with the username and password for this account can change the IP address for mtc-kob.dyndns.org. In this way, we can quickly reconfigure the system to use an alternate server, without requiring any action on the part of the KOB user.

To give your server a symbolic host name, do the following:

• Go to dyn.com.
• Sign in to the morsekob account.
• Under My Services, click on My Hosts.
• Click on Add New Hostname.

• Enter a hostname for mtc-xx.dyndns.org (where xx is your office call), select service type "Host with IP address", and click the link to enter your current location's IP address. Click Activate.
• Log out from the Dyn site.

Testing

Run the same tests as in the previous sections (see IP address), but this time set up MorseKOB to access the server at its symbolic host name (using the Tools > Debug menu).

Congratulations, you now have a fully functional KOB server!