Explore the benefits of Public DNS Servers, a vital part of the internet infrastructure, that offer enhanced security, faster browsing, and content freedom. Learn about popular providers like Google, Cloudflare, OpenDNS, and Quad9 and how to use them.
When browsing the internet, you may have encountered the term "DNS servers." DNS stands for Domain Name System and is an integral part of the internet infrastructure. DNS servers act as translators between human-readable domain names, such as "example.com," and their corresponding IP addresses, like "192.0.2.1". By resolving domain names to IP addresses, DNS servers enable browsers to connect to websites.
Public DNS Servers
Public DNS servers are freely accessible DNS servers offered by various organizations and providers. They are a popular choice for users looking to improve their browsing experience, increase speed, or bypass local censorship and content restrictions. Public DNS servers often provide additional features like enhanced security, filtering, and more.
Why Use Public DNS Servers?
Speed: Public DNS servers can provide faster query responses than some ISP DNS servers. A fast DNS server decreases the time it takes to resolve a domain name to an IP address, contributing to faster page load times.
Security: Many public DNS servers offer enhanced security features like protection against phishing attacks, malicious websites, and denial-of-service attacks.
Privacy: Some public DNS servers offer better privacy policies compared to ISP DNS servers, ensuring minimal data collection and retention.
Reliability: Public DNS servers often have a vast network of servers worldwide, ensuring better uptime and reducing the likelihood of outages.
Censorship Avoidance: In some regions, ISPs may block certain websites or services. Using a public DNS server can help bypass these restrictions.
Customization: Some public DNS servers allow users to customize the filtering of content, enabling features such as parental controls or blocking specific types of content.
Popular Public DNS Servers
There are several popular public DNS servers available. Here are some of the most widely used free and public DNS servers.
Google Public DNS: One of the most well-known public DNS servers, Google Public DNS, offers fast, reliable, and secure browsing. IP addresses: 8.8.8.8 (primary), 8.8.4.4 (secondary).
Cloudflare Public DNS: Known for its speed and privacy-focused approach, Cloudflare's public DNS server is a popular choice among users. IP addresses: 1.1.1.1 (primary), 1.0.0.1 (secondary).
OpenDNS: Offered by Cisco, OpenDNS provides additional features like web filtering and phishing protection. IP addresses: 208.67.222.222 (primary), 208.67.220.220 (secondary).
Quad9: Quad9 is a security-oriented public DNS service that blocks access to malicious websites. IP addresses: 9.9.9.9 (primary), 149.112.112.112 (secondary).
Verisign Public DNS: Verisign offers a public DNS service with a focus on stability, security, and privacy. Verisign's primary IP addresses are 64.6.64.6 and 64.6.65.6.
Neustar Public DNS: Neustar provides a public DNS service with features such as threat protection and content filtering. Neustar's primary IP addresses are 156.154.70.1 and 156.154.71.1.
DNS.WATCH: DNS.WATCH is a public DNS service that emphasizes speed, uncensored browsing, and user privacy. The primary IP addresses for DNS.WATCH are 84.200.69.80 and 84.200.70.40.
Comodo Secure DNS: Comodo Secure DNS is a public DNS service that offers security features such as blocking malicious websites and phishing attacks. Comodo's primary IP addresses are 8.26.56.26 and 8.20.247.20.
How to Use Public DNS Servers
Using a public DNS server is as simple as changing the DNS settings on your device or router. Once you've chosen a public DNS provider, find the DNS settings on your device, usually located in the network or connection settings, and replace the default DNS addresses with the IP addresses provided by your chosen public DNS provider.
Keep in mind that using a public DNS server may impact your browsing experience, as these servers can sometimes be faster or slower than your ISP's DNS servers. Before making a switch, consider testing the performance of different public DNS servers to find the one that suits your needs best.
Conclusion
Public DNS servers offer a reliable and secure alternative to your ISP's default DNS servers. Whether you're looking for enhanced security, faster browsing, or freedom from content restrictions, public DNS servers are worth considering. With numerous options available, you can easily find a public DNS server that suits your needs.