Frequently Asked Question

DDNS (Dynamic DNS) is commonly used for CCTV because most CCTV systems sit behind an internet connection with a changing public IP address. DDNS solves the problem of how you reach your cameras remotely.

DDNS works like an online phone book:

• You use a name (hostname) instead of remembering a changing number (Public IP)
• The phone book automatically updates when the number (Public IP) changes
• You always connect using the same name (hostname)
• Your device will look up the your CCTV name (hostname) in the "phone book" to connect you to your CCTV current number (current Public IP)

This makes remote access stable and convenient, even when the public IP changes as the DDNS will keep track and update the hostname with your current Public IP when it change.

DDNS is used only when accessing CCTV remotely, such as:

• Viewing cameras from a mobile phone
• Checking recordings from home/office
• Accessing CCTV from another location

---

DDNS Is NOT Required for On-Site CCTV Operation

DDNS does not affect how CCTV works inside the premises.

On-site CCTV operation includes:

• Video recording
• Live view/Playback on a monitor
• Live view/Playback on a computer in the same network connection

All of these functions work:

• Without DDNS
• Without internet
• Without any remote access

Inside the premises, the CCTV system communicates directly within the local network. This is similar to speaking to someone face-to-face instead of calling them.

---

Internet Outage Scenario

If the internet connection is down:

• CCTV continues recording normally

• On-site viewing remains available

• Remote viewing is temporarily unavailable

Once the internet is restored, remote viewing resumes automatically.

---

When DDNS is NOT needed

You do NOT need DDNS if:
✔ You already have a static public IP

✔ You only access CCTV within the same LAN
✔ You use P2P cloud CCTV (e.g. Hik-Connect, EZVIZ, Dahua DMSS)

⚠️ Note: P2P cloud trades simplicity for privacy/control

DDNS vs P2P Cloud (important distinction)

Feature	DDNS	P2P Cloud
Needs port forwarding	Yes	No
Works without cloud	Yes	No
ISP IP change safe	Yes	Yes
Latency	Lower	Higher
Privacy	Higher	Lower
Setup complexity	Medium	Easy