You have your home network up and working and now you want to be able to access programs such as TivoWeb when you are away from home. First, you need to secure your network by using a broadband router or a proxy server. You then need to run a web server, such as Apache, that will allow you to log-in and securely connect to your Tivo. These topics are discussed on other areas of this site.
Once these initial steps are completed, you will need to be able to identify the IP accress currently assigned to your broadband router. The problem is, almost every ISP uses Dynamic IP addresses that change on a regular basis. To overcome this obstacle, you need to register with a dynamic dns forwarding service and install software on a device on your LAN to keep the service update. For more background info on DyanmicDNS, click here. To setup your LAN, follow the instructions are below.
Note: You can also use Dynamic DNS to access your Windows desktop using Remote Access. This does potentially increase security concerns; here is a link to a how-to.
Step 1: Register for the service
There are a large number of free Dynamic DNS hosting providers. The most popular is probably DynDNS.org. Some people have also recommended ZoneEdit.com. DynDNS.org is the recommended provider and will be used for this example.
Step 2: Download a DynamicDNS client
A dynamic DNS client will need to be installed on one of the computers on your LAN. There are many clients available for Windows, Linux, and Mac. Refer to the site http://clients.dyndns.org/ for a complete list.
DirectUpdate appears to be the most popular and feature-rich client for a Windows user. It's free to try and only $15 to register. It will be used in this example.
Step 3: Install and Configure the DynamicDNS client
When you install DirectUpdate, select the option of Advanced and installed both the Service and the Client (I believe this is the same as Typical installation). The service will automatically start when the PC is booted without a user needing to log-on.
During of just after installation, your firewall software will prompt you to give access to the Direct Update service. Click "remember program" and then "yes". (You should be running a firewall program! ZoneAlarm Basic is free and highly recommended!)
You will also need to grant access for the configuration program that connects to the service. It is not necessary to "remember" this program:
Select the hosting provider, enter your domain name (name.dyndns_provider.com for example) and user account information:
The status tab should automatically update, similar to what is shown below:
For security purposes, it is recommended that you disable the WEB/HTTP adminsitration in the Advanced Setting tab. You should not need to change any setting remotely via http:
You will notice the DirectUpdate Control program running in your system tray. This program does not need to run continuously and can be started through the Start menu. Right click on the tray icon, select Startup Settings... and uncheck the DirectUpdate Control box as shown below:
Step 4: Dnyamic DNS has been setup!
You should now be able to find your IP address from anywhere on the internet.
It is highly recommended that you have a broadband router for your network and a redundant personal software firewall on each PC. You will need to open up a passthough port on your router to access your Tivo. This information is contained in other section of this site.
Corrections or updates for this page:
Note: Do not post questions, unrelated comments, or information of which your are uncertain. This section is reserved for corrections and updates only.
FWIW, ZoneEdit.com is a fine service, free for the first five domains as long as traffic isn't very excessive - and you don't need any special client to update your IP address with them. Just run a wget (I don't know if http_get will work too) including your username, password and zone in the URL and the ZoneEdit system will update your record immediately with the IP address you're connecting from. Easy!
