Non Linux but network tech question

[Ben Scott]

On 6/14/07, sean <tech.junk at verizon.net> wrote:
> Hope no one objects to the non Linux question?

  Trust me, you're a lot more on-topic than a lot of message traffic
on this list.  :)

> The system for this database is located inside the library.
> The local ISP they use, Comcast, gives them a free connection, but the
> address is dynamic.

  Ideally, they would get a static IP address, and solve a lot of
problems.  It might be worth asking Comcast for that.

  Failing that, as others have suggested, DNS Update, AKA Dynamic DNS,
is the way to go.  Have something on their site notice the IP address
change, and update a DNS record.  Use said DNS record in the link to
the website.

  There are many such services.  Like others, I use DynDNS Inc,
because (1) it's free for personal use and (2) it works fairly well.
I get a name like "notmyrealname.dnsalias.org", and then I can SSH
into my home network (also on a Comcast feed).

> -linksys wireless router

  Many LinkSys routers include support for DNS Update in the stock
firmware.  However, that feature is also notoriously unreliable.  (It
tends to update once, at power-on, then never again.)

  Many of those routers run Linux internally, and you can install
third-party firmware to improve the situation.  If you post the
specific model *and hardware version* (check the label), you can post
it here, or check the list at http://openwrt.net yourself.

  Another option is to install software on a computer inside their
private network.  That software will watch for an IP address change,
and then send the DNS Update.  Such software is available for both MS
Windows and Linux.  This might be easier than messing around with
LinkSys firmware.

-- Ben