What is DDNS?

Dynamic DNS (DDNS) maps a hostname (like mycamera.ddns.net) to your changing public IP address. Most residential ISPs assign dynamic IPs that change periodically. Without DDNS, your PanoraCast camera URL would break every time the IP changes.

Do you need DDNS?

If you use PanoraCast's RTMP push mode (camera pushes to PanoraCast), you do NOT need DDNS because PanoraCast never needs to connect to your IP. DDNS is only needed when PanoraCast pulls from your camera via RTSP.

Step 1: Choose a DDNS provider

Popular free and paid DDNS providers:

No-IP (noip.com) — Free tier available, widely supported by routers and cameras
DuckDNS (duckdns.org) — Free, open-source, simple
Dynu (dynu.com) — Free tier, supports many record types
Built-in camera DDNS — Many Hikvision, Dahua, and Reolink cameras have built-in DDNS clients
Built-in router DDNS — Most routers support No-IP or DynDNS natively

Step 2: Create a DDNS hostname

Sign up with your chosen DDNS provider and create a hostname (e.g., mycamera.ddns.net). This hostname will always point to your current public IP address.

Step 3: Configure the DDNS client

The DDNS client automatically updates your hostname when your IP changes. Configure it in one of these locations (in order of preference):

Router: Best option — go to your router's DDNS settings and enter your provider, hostname, and credentials
Camera: Many cameras have built-in DDNS. Check Network > DDNS in the camera's web interface
Computer: Install the DDNS provider's update client on an always-on computer on your network

Step 4: Use the hostname in PanoraCast

Instead of using your public IP in the RTSP URL, use your DDNS hostname:

bash

# Instead of this (breaks when IP changes):
rtsp://admin:[email protected]:554/Streaming/Channels/101

# Use this (always works):
rtsp://admin:[email protected]:554/Streaming/Channels/101

Troubleshooting

Common issues:

Hostname not resolving — Wait a few minutes after initial setup for DNS propagation. Check that the DDNS client is running and updating
Wrong IP in DNS — If behind double NAT, the DDNS client may report the internal IP. Use a router-level client instead
Free tier expired — Some DDNS providers require monthly confirmation to keep free hostnames active
CGNAT — If your ISP uses CGNAT, DDNS won't help because port forwarding is impossible. Use RTMP push mode instead

DDNS and Remote Access for IP Cameras