The internet is an important part of our daily life; we use it for various activities such as work and entertainment. However, many people don’t realize that DNS servers are an essential internet component. DNS servers help to translate domain names into IP addresses that computers can use to connect to websites and online services.
Selecting the right DNS server can significantly improve your browsing experience, as faster and more reliable servers can provide smoother browsing and fewer problems. In this article, we’ll explain what DNS servers are, how they function, and provide a list of the best DNS servers for home use.
What is the use of DNS servers?
A DNS (Domain Name System) server is a fundamental internet component, allowing users to connect to websites and online services by translating human-readable domain names into IP addresses. DNS servers act as intermediaries between users’ devices and the websites they want to access, enabling them to communicate with each other and exchange data. If you’d like to read more details on this, you can visit HostingCoupon.Codes.
The main use of a DNS (Domain Name System) server is to translate human-readable domain names, such as www.example.com, into IP (Internet Protocol) addresses, such as 192.0.2.1, which computers and devices use to connect to websites and online services.
DNS servers translate domain names to IP addresses, making it easier to access websites. They also store frequently accessed DNS records, improving performance and security and reducing the load on the internet infrastructure. In summary, DNS servers are essential for internet functionality, accessibility, and efficient and secure connection to online resources.
Best DNS Servers for Home Use
Here are the best DNS Servers for home use:
1. Google DNS
Google Public DNS provides three main advantages: faster browsing speeds, enhanced security, and precise results without redirection.
The primary DNS is 8.8.8.8, and the secondary DNS is 8.8.4.4. There are also IPv6 versions available, with the primary DNS being 2001:4860:4860::8888 and the secondary DNS being 2001:4860:4860::8844.
Google’s public DNS servers are free and designed to provide fast and reliable DNS resolution for users worldwide. Therefore, users can improve their internet speed and security using Google’s DNS servers.
Google’s public DNS servers support DNS-over-HTTPS (DoH) and DNS-over-TLS (DoT), which are encrypted protocols that help protect your DNS queries from being intercepted or manipulated. This can help improve your privacy and security while browsing the web.
2. OpenDNS
OpenDNS has a user base of tens of millions worldwide and asserts 100 percent reliability and uptime. In addition, they provide two sets of free public DNS servers, one of which is dedicated to parental controls and offers numerous filtering options.
The primary DNS is 208.67.222.222, and the secondary DNS is 208.67.220.220. There are also IPv6 versions available, with the primary DNS being 2620:119:35::35 and the secondary DNS being 2620:119:53::53.
OpenDNS operates through a cloud-based network, meaning users can access its services anywhere with an internet connection. It also provides real-time threat intelligence to help prevent attacks before they occur. The service is available for personal and business use, with various pricing plans to suit individual needs.
One of the key features of OpenDNS is its parental controls. It allows users to filter out specific categories of websites, block specific sites, and set time restrictions for internet use. This feature is handy for parents who want to protect their children from inappropriate content online.
3. Cloudflare
1.1.1.1 is a DNS service offered by Cloudflare that boasts the fastest DNS directory on the internet. In addition, Cloudflare assures users that they will never track or sell their data, nor will they use the data to target ads.
The primary DNS is 1.1.1.1, and the secondary DNS is 1.0.0.1. There are also IPv6 versions available, with the primary DNS being 2606:4700:4700::1111 and the secondary DNS being 2606:4700:4700::1001.
One of the most well-known services offered by Cloudflare is its CDN, which helps websites deliver content quickly and efficiently to users worldwide. This service caches website content on Cloudflare’s global network of servers, reducing the load on the website’s server and improving page load times.
Cloudflare also offers various security services, such as DDoS protection, firewall, and web application firewall (WAF). These services help protect websites from various cyber threats, including DDoS attacks, SQL injections, and cross-site scripting (XSS) attacks.
4. Quad9
Quad9 is a free, public DNS service that offers fast and secure DNS resolution. The service was created to provide users with a more secure and private way to browse the internet by blocking access to malicious websites and phishing scams. Quad9 achieves this by checking DNS queries against a list of known malicious domains and blocking them if necessary.
Quad9’s DNS servers are available at IP addresses 9.9.9.9 and 149.112.112.112. In addition, the service uses threat intelligence from various sources to block access to known malicious websites.
Quad9 also supports DNS over HTTPS (DoH) and DNS over TLS (DoT), which provide additional security and privacy by encrypting DNS queries and responses.
The service is a non-profit project that several organizations, including IBM Security and Packet Clearing House, support. It is available for anyone and setup instructions are available on the Quad9 website.
5. Comodo Secure DNS
Comodo Secure DNS is a free DNS service that provides fast and secures browsing. In addition, it offers several features designed to improve security and privacy, including protection against malware, phishing, and other online threats.
The service’s DNS servers are available at IP addresses 8.26.56.26 and 8.20.247.20. Comodo Secure DNS also supports DNS over HTTPS (DoH), which encrypts DNS queries and responses for improved privacy and security.
One of the unique features of Comodo Secure DNS is its ability to filter web content. Users can choose from many pre-set filtering options, such as “family-friendly,” “high-security,” and “regular.” These options allow users to block access to websites based on categories such as adult content, social networking, and gambling.
Conclusion
In conclusion, choosing a reliable and secure DNS server is an important step toward improving your online browsing experience. While there are many DNS servers available, the top five best DNS servers for home use include the following:
- Cloudflare DNS – is known for its speed and privacy features.
- Google Public DNS – a popular and reliable DNS service.
- OpenDNS – offers customizable parental controls and security features.
- Comodo Secure DNS – provides fast and secure browsing with content filtering options.
- Quad9 – blocks access to malicious websites and uses advanced security technologies.
Ultimately, the best DNS server for your home will depend on your individual needs and preferences. Factors to consider include speed, security, privacy, and ease of use. You can expect improved browsing performance and a more secure online experience with any of these top five DNS servers.