Understanding DNS and How to Change it on Your Router

The internet is a complex web of connected devices, and at the heart of it all is the Domain Name System (DNS). It’s the phonebook of the internet, translating human-friendly website names into computer-friendly IP addresses. Changing your router’s DNS can improve your internet speed, privacy, and provide other benefits. In this article, we’ll explain what DNS is, why you might want to change it, and how to do so on your router.

Table of Contents

1. Understanding DNS
2. Reasons to Change Your Router’s DNS
3. How to Change DNS on Your Router
4. FAQs

Key Takeaways

• Understanding DNS and its role in internet browsing.
• Reasons why changing your router’s DNS can be beneficial.
• Step-by-step guide on how to change your router’s DNS.
• Addressing common questions about changing DNS.

Understanding DNS

Think of DNS as a phonebook for the internet. When you type a website name, such as Google, into your browser, your computer uses DNS to convert that name into an IP address, which is used to connect to the website’s server. This process is known as DNS resolution.

There are many DNS servers out there, and your internet service provider (ISP) automatically assigns one to you. However, you can change the DNS server your router uses, which can improve your internet experience in several ways. Want to know more about DNS? Check out this comprehensive guide on DNS.

Reasons to Change Your Router’s DNS

There are several reasons why you might want to change your router’s DNS server:

1. Speed: Some DNS servers can resolve website names faster than others, resulting in quicker page loading times.
2. Reliability: If your ISP’s DNS server is frequently down or unreliable, switching to a more reliable server can improve your browsing experience.
3. Privacy: Some DNS servers offer improved privacy by not logging your browsing history.
4. Parental controls: Certain DNS servers offer parental control features, allowing you to block access to inappropriate websites.

Before deciding to change your DNS, you might want to test your current DNS server’s speed and reliability. This DNS speed comparison tool can help.

How to Change DNS on Your Router

Changing your router’s DNS server is a straightforward process, but the exact steps can vary depending on your router’s model and manufacturer. Here’s a general guide:

1. Open your router’s configuration page by typing its IP address into your browser’s address bar. The IP address is usually something like 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1.
2. Log in with your router’s username and password. If you’re unsure of these, check your router’s documentation or the manufacturer’s website.
3. Look for a section called “DNS Settings”, “Network Settings”, or something similar.
4. Change the Primary and Secondary DNS server addresses to the ones you want to use. For example, Google’s Public DNS addresses are 8.8.8.8 (primary) and 8.8.4.4 (secondary).
5. Save your changes and restart your router.

Remember to check the effects of the new DNS servers using the DNS speed comparison tool mentioned earlier. For more detailed instructions, please check this guide on changing DNS.

FAQs

Q1: Can changing DNS improve internet speed?
Yes, it can. Some DNS servers can resolve website names faster than others, resulting in quicker page loading times.

Q2: Is it safe to change DNS?
Yes, but be sure to use DNS servers from reputable providers. Some popular ones include Google Public DNS, OpenDNS, and Cloudflare.

Q3: How do I know if my DNS has changed successfully?
You can check your current DNS server by visiting a site like WhatsMyDNS.

With a better understanding of DNS and how to change it on your router, you can now enjoy an improved internet experience. Happy browsing!