Standard TZO DNS README

TZO Standard documentation assumes your Internet connection is a Dynamic WAN IP address, where your Internet IP address changes frequently. You may also use TZO with a Static WAN IP. If unsure, it is safe to assume you have a dynamic IP address and follow instructions for that Internet type.

Do not confuse your 'Internal IP address' (that on the LAN which you control) with that of your shared or 'Internet/WAN IP address' – this is a common misunderstanding.

For most networks, you will want to configure your 'server' (what you want to remotely connect 'To') so it uses a static LAN IP address. This is an extra step which ensures your router's port-forwarding will always remain valid. Allowing your server to remain on it's default DHCP address would invite problems later on.

Dynamic IP address Internet users will need a TZO client to monitor the address of your Internet connection. For best results, you should use an update client provided by TZO.

If you do not have a TZO-supported computer on-site (camera/DVR scenario, or for Apple Mac OS X) then for your update client you can use TZO Certified Hardware. Be sure you regularly check the manufacturer's support pages to be sure you have the latest firmware.

If you use an Update Client which is not TZO certified it should work, but unfortunately some clients neglect to externally check the IP address which means a delayed failure, possibly after your return period has passed.

Your Internet Service Provider may block certain 'standard' server ports - typically inbound port 80 (web) and inbound + outbound port 25 (SMTP).

If the problem -seems- as if the ISP were blocking 'all' ports, know this is very unlikely (and may be quickly confirmed with a call to your ISP). Most likely outcome is the problem is isolated to your router firewall (which might still be active even if you had enabled router Port Forwarding). TZO Support can offer you advice on isolating the problem and correcting your configuration.

Depending on the network service, you can work around limited port blocks provided you open up an alternate port on your router (web port 81, for example).

Some third party DDNS clients do not follow published TZO developer guidelines and opt instead to implement their own TZO updater using trial and error. Unfortunately this results in the client failing to update when it should, or it may send abusive/repetitive updates which constitutes network abuse.

If an update client is abusive, the TZO update servers will first return a meaningful error (warning), followed by a blocked account or blocking updates from that network. TZO Support is able to confirm network abuse and blocked accounts. You may be able to fix the problem with updated firmware for your router or camera, or report it to that device's Support channel if it remains unfixed.

Network abuse never occurs from a TZO certified hardware device, or a client downloaded for your computer at tzo.com.

For policy reasons, it is not possible to purchase SSL certificates for most TZO Standard domains (such as tzo.net, etc).

For private websites where you just need a working SSL (such as for a small webmail server), you can always generate your own 'self-signed' SSL certificate and work with your users to permanently import that SSL certificate.

If you need the extra security of a recognized SSL certificate, you should register a custom domain name with TZO Premier DNS Service, then purchase your SSL certificate for it.