Premier TZO DNS HOWTO

TZO Premier DDNS Service is a service which works with an existing (and therefore requires) a Registered Domain Name. Please note that TZO Premier DDNS is not the actual domain name itself.

The easiest configuration method is to begin your shopping cart with the Domain Registration (or order the Domain Registration first), so you are certain the domain you want is actually available. If your Domain Registration is with another domain provider, you can still use that domain with TZO Premier DDNS once you order the Premier service and also configure your Domain Registration (WHOIS) to delegate Authoritative Nameservers to TZO.

Please note that because you may use TZO Premier DNS with a domain you registered somewhere else, it is possible for you to order TZO Premier for a domain which you do not actually own. If you are not sure of the differences, please contact TZO Sales or Support.

There are so many uses for TZO Premier DDNS that this article can not cover every possibility. As an example, we will assume you want to both: allow remote access to your webmail or intranet (or a NAS/storage device), and also remotely connect using Remote Desktop (or VNC, etc.). The first part of this step is to verify you can access these services locally.

With local access to your servers verified, you want to configure your router's Port Forwarding (sometimes labeled 'Applications and Gaming'). The exact steps vary depending on the server type you use, however all configurations have this in common: you discover what TCP or UDP ports your servers use (check their documentation, ex: www uses port 80), then you forward those TCP or UDP ports to your server's LAN IP address (which you should know from testing). [Please Note:

You need to test this a few different ways (if there are problems, the tests will help you narrow down the problem). While still on-site, do a remote 'open port check' with your browser by visiting Whatsmyip.org Port Test. The test tool already knows your network IP address from your browser, so you just need to enter what Port it should test. A report that the port is closed is a failure because something on your end is blocking the connection (and must be fixed), while an open port means success..

Now you can run your remote tests. While still on-site, visit TZO Test or TZO IP Echo Page and take note of your WAN/network IP address. It is best if you can call someone 'outside' and have them try to connect to your server using the correct viewer (browser, camera client, etc) and your WAN IP. Do not complicate the test by using your TZO domain name just yet. If you do not have someone on the outside who can help test, then you need to go to another network (neighbor, work, etc) and try connecting to your WAN IP. You can not test your WAN IP from inside (due to NAT loopback issues).

If the outside connections fail to connect, double-check your port settings and router firewall. Also check your server to see if it has a local firewall. If some ports work and others fail, ask your Internet provider's support about which port(s) they block.

Note: some DSL and cable companies provide modems with a built-in NAT router, which require additional configuration (enabling 'Bridge Mode'). Ask your Internet provider's support for help enabling Bridge mode. If their support asks for details, what you want to do is 'pass through the Internet IP' to inside your network, so your own router can handle Port Forwarding. Failing that, there is also a way to port forward from the modem to your router (which port forwards to your server..), but the Bridge Mode method is easier.

You may be wondering why we suggested you first configure your network for remote connections, before you configure TZO. The reason is because it much easier to find and fix any problem with your network configuration if done early in the process. Once you successfully make remote connections into your network, using your WAN IP address, then you can have confidence your network will permit outside connections. If you were not able to get this far due to a technical problem setting up your network, our Support can get you pointed in the right direction.

At this point you should have TZO Premier, and a domain name already registered. If you ordered both TZO Domain Registration and TZO Premier from TZO, you should skip forward to the next step.

If you ordered TZO Premiere from TZO, but you ordered your Domain Registration from another network Registrar, you will need to delegate your domain's Authoritative Nameservers to TZO. You would do this at the company you registered the domain name. Note this is not a Domain Transfer (so you need to keep your Domain Registration renewed/paid and do not let it expire).

For most TZO domains the nameservers to use are:

• ns.tzo.com
• ns2.tzo.com
• ns3.tzo.com
• ns4.tzo.com
• ns5.tzo.com

Important: Be sure you add all 5 nameservers. If it seems your Registrar only allows you to add 2 nameservers, look around for an 'Add more Nameservers' option or contact their Support. Do not 'mix' third party nameservers with the TZO nameservers.

You may skip this step if your Internet service is a dynamic IP address.

If your Internet service is a static IP, you can configure your domain record by logging into the TZO web control panel. If needed, add your new TZO key into your account management interface. As you have a static IP, you need only verify your DNS domain exists and is set to your IP address. You may also wish to configure your DNS cache time (TTL) for a higher or lower value.

If your Internet service is a static IP address, you can skip this step.

If your Internet address is a dynamic IP address, configure your TZO update client. The TZO client will detect the shared Internet IP address for the network you install it on. The TZO client should only be installed at the network you wish to remotely connect 'to', so that the client can automatically update your domain whenever your Internet provider gives you a new Internet address.

You have a choice of using a TZO software client downloaded from our website, or a third party DDNS client found in your router or camera. If your network has a PC, it is best to use the TZO software client as it is designed and certified by TZO. You may also use a TZO Certified hardware client. Simply fill out the fields for your TZO account and save your settings.

Note that some router and camera clients will ask for 'username' and 'password', just fill that in with your TZO domain's email address and your TZO key, respectively

Once your TZO client is activated, it should indicate a successful update, and display your domain name and current WAN IP address. You can also verify this domain information under your account on the TZO website. Everything should just work when you go off-site and you can connect to your domain name and everything works. If you are using a third party DDNS client, be sure you do not let the TZO account expire, as this will require you to manually restart DDNS at that location.