From Issue #8 | By Chris Arndt
No matter how much media or home control you make available to yourself over the Internet, it's not very useful if you can't get to it. Access isn't a problem if you're using a hosted service that acts as the interface between you, your Web browser and your systems at home. However, if you are using some of the options available to do-it-yourselfers, you'll need to connect directly with your home system.
Most broadband DSL and cable modem connections use dynamic IP addressing. That means that, unlike your telephone number or street address, your numeric home Internet address can change at the whim of your provider. This is of no matter for outbound surfing or email, but it is important if you want to access your network from outside for home control or media access.
Some providers change the dynamic numeric address regularly, even daily or more often. Others might let you keep the same one for months or even years. Static IP addresses are usually available from your broadband service, but at a substantial premium.
There is a way around this, however. There are companies that will supply you with a more familiar text based domain name, like www.bobshouse.com, and link that to your numeric address, and update that whenever the numeric one changes.
Free dynamic domain name service (DNS) providers like ZoneEdit usually require you to have registered your own domain name -- such as www.bobshouse.com. Then they link to your ever-changing numeric address. Others, like TZO DNS, will link your numeric address to their domain for a fee. In either case, you'll need to run a small program at home that monitors the dynamic IP address assigned to your cable or DSL modem. If and when that address changes, the program notifies your service of the change, and their record is instantly updated.
