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Every Internet user is expected to have a basic picture of how web surfing works. You type the site’s URL in the browser and it sends you to that particular site. This URL is called a domain name. And when any device is connected to the Internet, it’s issued an IP address.
Computers don’t understand human language. They need something readable and that’s where the DNS server comes in.
DNS Server 101
Some of you must be hearing the name DNS for the first time while some of you must have heard of it but don’t know what it means. Today, you will know all about it.
A DNS server’s job is to match domain names with IP addresses. That’s why it stands for Domain Name System/Server. Originally, the purpose of a DNS was to support the growth of communication via emails. Now, it supports the entire Internet on a global scale.
How Does It Work?
A DNS server uses name servers that act as a directory of domain names as well as IP addresses. Name servers also tell how each domain names maps to an IP address. Since so many domain names can be mapped to several IP addresses, it takes more than one name servers for storing information.
When more than one user enters a web domain such as Facebook, the DNS matches it with the IP address. This routes the user’s connection to the appropriate destination, which will be Facebook in this case.
Why Change a DNS Server?
A user obtains the DNS server settings automatically when he or she connects to the Internet. You don’t have to configure anything. But you have the option of changing your DNS servers. Here are some good reasons to do that:
Fix the Speed
When you are experiencing Internet Stuttering, and you have tried all basic remedies such as rebooting the hardware and even PC and the network issue doesn’t subside. Here, changing the DNS servers might do the work.
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Although DNS isn’t directly related to the Internet speed, it surely influences how fast a webpage appears on a PC. Changing the DNS servers will improve the overall speed.
Non-Availability of Servers
Sometimes, the DNS servers are not available. This prevents webpages from loading. It’s a temporary problem that can be fixed by changing the servers. You don’t even have to contact your ISP’s customer support to resolve the issue!
Unlock Blocked Content
Some DNS servers have blocked certain domains. Instead of downloading a VPN or using a proxy server site, you may take the other road and change the DNS settings. Choose the server that hasn’t blocked the domains you want to access.
Protect Your Online Activities
Some DNS servers let you filter phishing sites or malicious URLs that may compromise personal information or data stored on the PC. If you want to get better protection, you may switch the DNS server. However, it’s not a foolproof way of protecting yourself.
How to Change the DNS Servers?
Now let this DNS Server 101 guide take you to the steps of changing DNS servers:
Option 1: Through Windows 10 PC’s Settings
- Go to the Settings of your Windows 10 PC
- Choose Network & Internet from the options
- Depending on your connection, choose Wi-Fi or Ethernet
- Select your Network
- Go the IP Setting section and click Edit
- Click the Edit IP Setting drop-down menu
- Choose Manual from the options
- Toggle on IPv4
- Enter the Preferred DNS and Alternate DNS. Use the following settings:
- For Cloudflare: 1.1.1.1 & 1.0.0.1
- For OpenDNS: 208.67.222.222 & 208.67.220.220
- For Google Public DNS Servers 8.8.8.8 & 8.8.4.4
- Hit the Save button and you are done.
After completing these steps, you should be able to connect the Internet at an improved speed.
Option 2: Through the Control Panel
- Open the Control Panel
- Go to Network & Internet
- Click on Network & Sharing Center
- Choose Change Adapter Settings
- Right-click on the Network Interface and go to Properties
- Check Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) from the list
- Then, click on Properties
- Click on Use the Following DNS Server Address
- Enter Preferred DNS Server and Alternate DNS Server
Enter this information into the fields:
- For Cloudflare: 1.1.1.1 & 1.0.0.1
- For OpenDNS: 208.67.222.222 & 208.67.220.220
- For Google Public DNS: 8.8.8.8 & 8.8.4.4
- Click Ok and close the tab.
Conclusion
Changing DNS servers might sound tricky but when you follow the steps mentioned in this guide, you will have no trouble at all.
Many experts on the bandwidth vs latency issued also suggest changing DNS servers to fix the latency issue. It may and may not work, because a DNS doesn’t necessarily boost speed. However, there are situations where changing the servers works. Try it to find out!
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