no Domain - use of ownDNS

Introduction

ownDNS is a private and cost free alternative solution to usually used DNS services like DynDNS and No-IP. The follwoing picture describe how it works.

Functionality

The follwoing picture describe how ownDNS works.

The core function is built up by a program, which runs on your private server [1]. This program is called the "ownDNS_Manager" which requests your own IP periodically from a public server [4] and uploads it, wrapped in a html page, to a 24/7 accessible cloud storage [2] like Dropbox, if it has been changed. This enables you and all other devices [3] on the Internet to find your home server [1] at any time, because this web page on the cloud storage [2] is accessible around the clock.

Requirements

  1. own private server
    • on which you can add cron jobs to start the ownDNS_manager periodically
    • with installed python (revision 2.7 or higher)
    • with installed ownDNS and Dropbox-Uploader software from GitHub
  2. private cloud storage (Dropbox) with public read access of the uploaded webpage that has your own IP included

Hint

Ensure that only you (the Dropbox-uploader) can write to your Dropbox folder on which the html file with your IP will be stored!

Use Case Example

You want to build up your own home automation or security system (with cameras and alert notification on your smart phone) by using a rasperry pi.