IP Only Web Server

[coljohnhannibalsmith]

Hello,

I'm wondering if it's possible to operate a Web Server 'without' registering a domain name, using an IP address alone.

Explanation:

I currently have Apache & Tomcat running on one of my workstations. I am currently using these servers as development sandboxes; and I have P2P Search Engine 'YaCy' running under Apache, which is accessible from the outside to the entire P2P network.

Since my Apache server is accessible from the outside, I was thinking that I might setup one of my other workstations as a server with just my 'external' IP address & port number as a way of reaching my site, i.e. http:// 255.183.47.201:8090/. I can't see any reason why this wouldn't be possible. I seem to remember several of my former companies doing this on their corporate Intranets. Also, I wouldn't be locked into registering a domain name every year; and I wouldn't have to worry about any content restrictions. If my intended audience knows where to find me; I can't see any reason why this wouldn't work. And, I don't see why my site couldn't be indexed by search-engines. The only caveat I can think of is making sure I have enough bandwidth from my ISP to support the anticipated traffic.

If this will work, I assume I can setup a regular website, an online store, podcast, or provide any other type of tradional web-service this way.

http://i.technet.microsoft.com/dynimg/IC85187.jpg

[Ryan Dwyer]

Sure, it's possible. But if you're concerned about search engine results and your audience knowing the IP, what happens if you get a different IP address (by moving house or ISPs)? The search engine results would all be dead links, and you'd have to contact your audience to tell them the new IP.

You're probably better off getting a domain name. You could even use a free service such as DynDNS.

[crispy_420]

Your solution of people connecting is possible but forget about new/unknown visitors. Even if you get found (very unlikely) that port number may be an issue.

Like mentioned earlier, get a free dynamic dns service. There are many options but check you router for its options (Netgear likes DynDNS) and choose their vendor.

If you have that odd port number for a reason (ISP blocks port 80/443) some of these dynamic dns services offer a service of converting port 80 to one that the ISP may not block.

[coljohnhannibalsmith]

Sure, it's possible. But if you're concerned about search engine results and your audience knowing the IP, what happens if you get a different IP address (by moving house or ISPs)? The search engine results would all be dead links, and you'd have to contact your audience to tell them the new IP.

You're probably better off getting a domain name. You could even use a free service such as DynDNS.

Good Point!!!

BTW, DynDNS Rocks!!! I never even considered this. Thank you...

http://www.dyndns.com/

Dynamic DNS service (http://www.dyndns.com/services/dns/dyndns/) allows you to point a hostname to a dynamic or static IP address or URL.


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http://www.ernan.net/images/pirate-radio.jpg

I am somewhat concerned about censorship, DNS Blocking, and DDOS attacks. Perhaps I can use a service like DynDNS and publish 'both' the IP and the DNS???

[coljohnhannibalsmith]

Like mentioned earlier, get a free dynamic dns service. There are many options but check your router for its options (Netgear likes DynDNS) and choose their vendor.

If you have that odd port number for a reason (ISP blocks port 80/443) some of these dynamic dns services offer a service of converting port 80 to one that the ISP may not block.

Good Point. Thank you!!!

[coljohnhannibalsmith]

It appears that this problem is now solved!!!

http://tshirtgroove.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/10/problem-solved-tshirt.jpg