DNS server, what is it and why is it needed (2024)

DNS ( Domain Name System ) is a specially created Internet technology, the main task of which is to turn the name of a website into an IP address for users to access it through web browsers. DNS servers, by their very essence, resemble a phone book, where each name corresponds to the number to which the call is made, only in this case the name corresponds to the IP address. Use DNS to speed up the connection to the target resource.

Video: How to configure DNS settings on Windows, Mac OS, Router

How DNS works

The moment you enter the name of the site in the address bar, the web browser contacts the nearest DNS server to match the name you specified with the IP address and then connects to it. The problem is that not all DNS servers contain information about all names and their IP. If the name you specified is not in the database, then the request is redirected to another DNS server, which makes the connection time longer. DNS servers of such companies as Google (8.8.8.8.8 / 8.8.4.4) with huge databases that many users register instead of those provided by their provider help to fight this problem.

How to set up DNS on a router

Administrators of huge networks with a large number of switching users practice setting up DNS on the router. This solves the problem with the need to configure DNS on each device separately and significantly saves time. What the DNS setting looks like on popular routers, we will tell you in more detail later.

Router TP-LINK Archer A6

To start setting up DNS on this router, you need to find out the IP address of high-quality DNS servers, and then follow these steps.

  1. Open any web browser and write 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1 in the address bar and click execute to go to the router settings.
  2. To get access to the settings you need to go through authorization by login and password, by default they are in most cases, admin and admin.
  3. In the settings window you need to click on the "Advanced" tab and select "Network", and then the sub-item "Internet".
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  5. On the right side of the window you need to open additional settings, this can be done by clicking on the "Advanced" button.
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  7. Scroll down to the DNS address section and set the switch button to “Use the following DNS Address”, then write in the corresponding fields the primary and secondary DNS servers (Primary DNS, Secondary DNS). To apply the changes, click on the “Save” button.
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Router Tenda AC7

If the DNS servers provided by your provider do not suit you, then you can change them to better ones using the following method.

  1. Connect to the router settings using any convenient web browser. In the address bar, write the request 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1
  2. On the left in the vertical menu of the router, select the "Internet settings" item.
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  4. Fill in the appropriate fields with your primary and secondary DNS servers, and then click on the "Save / Connect" button.

Asus RT-AC1300G Plus V3

This router has a built-in DNS service that will independently select the best DNS servers. You can activate it or make changes to the settings by performing the following operations.

  1. Launch a web browser and in the address, line write the request 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1 so you can go to the router settings. For authentication, the default username is admin and password: admin.
  2. In the menu settings, click on "Advanced settings", then select "WAN" and open the "DDNS" tab.
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  4. Activate the use of the DNS client by moving the switch to the "Yes" position.
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  6. Select the appropriate DNS server from the drop-down list.
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  8. In the hostname field, you can rename the DNS as desired. Then click on the "Apply" button for the changes to take effect.
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Conclusion

The procedure for changing DNS servers directly depends on the firmware of your router, but the algorithm of actions is the same for everyone. You can register DNS manually or select from the list using the appropriate service if this is supported by the router's firmware. Setting up DNS on the router will allow all devices on your network to connect to the desired sites faster and save time on making changes on a large number of devices, for example, this is an enterprise network.

DNS server, what is it and why is it needed (2024)

FAQs

What is a DNS server and why is it important? ›

A Domain Name System (DNS) turns domain names into IP addresses, which allow browsers to get to websites and other internet resources. Every device on the internet has an IP address, which other devices can use to locate the device.

What is the purpose of the DNS request and response? ›

DNS queries allow users to easily access websites using their domain names, making the Internet more user-friendly. Additionally, DNS queries help distribute web traffic across multiple servers, which improves website performance and reduces downtime.

What is the purpose of a DNS server quizlet? ›

With this, a DNS server is responsible for converting domain names into their matching IP addresses. The network first consults a DNS server to determine the IP address of the web page whenever a user attempts to visit one.

How do I fix a DNS server problem? ›

How to fix the “DNS server is not responding” error
  1. Troubleshoot your network connection. ...
  2. Restart your router. ...
  3. Flush DNS cache. ...
  4. Try using a different device or web browser. ...
  5. Change your DNS server address. ...
  6. Update your computer's network adapter driver. ...
  7. Disable IPv6 on your computer.
Jun 11, 2024

Why do we need to set DNS? ›

DNS servers are a vital part of internet infrastructure, but they can be manipulated by hackers to redirect you to corrupted websites or steal your private data. Here's how to configure your router DNS settings to prevent hijacking attacks. Then, learn how a VPN can give you a faster, safer browsing experience.

Can the internet work without DNS? ›

DNS is a hierarchical naming system that allows communication across networked devices, translating domain names we know to computer-friendly IP addresses. The Domain Name System (DNS) is a hierarchical naming system that allows communication across devices on a network.

What is the reason for DNS? ›

DNS transforms domain names to IP addresses to allow users to load Internet resources. A computer's IP address to find a website is mapped to that website's name by the Domain Name System. Each internet-connected device has a distinct IP address those other computers can use to find the device.

When would we need to use the DNS? ›

It's one of the cornerstones of how the internet operates. Without it, we'd be stuck memorizing long lists of numbers (IP addresses) to access the content we want. If a DNS cannot translate the domain name with the right IP address, you won't be able to access the website you're looking for.

What happens if the DNS does not have an address? ›

The DNS server returns the IP address, and the browser connects to the webpage that then appears on your screen If the DNS server is unavailable, the browser has no way of acquiring the website's IP address, so it returns an error.

Which of the following reasons for using DNS? ›

  • It maps local addresses to simple names without editing hosts files.
  • It lets users remotely operate computers from miles away.
  • It improves network throughput.
  • It maps names humans can understand to IP addresses.
Jan 16, 2024

What is the purpose of DNS security? ›

What is DNS security? Domain Name System (DNS) security refers to the technique of defending DNS infrastructure from cyberattacks. It ensures your DNS infrastructure is operating efficiently and reliably.

What role does DNS play? ›

What does DNA do? DNA contains the instructions needed for an organism to develop, survive and reproduce. To carry out these functions, DNA sequences must be converted into messages that can be used to produce proteins, which are the complex molecules that do most of the work in our bodies.

What happens if DNS is not working? ›

What Does DNS Failure Mean? A DNS failure occurs when users are unable to connect to an IP address via a domain name. A message will pop up that may say “DNS server not available” or “Server DNS Address could not be found.” Essentially, it's like dialing a phone number and getting back a busy signal.

How do I correct my DNS server? ›

How to Change Your DNS Server
  1. Open Control Panel > Network and Internet > Network and Sharing Center.
  2. Click your active Wi-Fi network.
  3. Select Properties.
  4. Select Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)
  5. Click Properties.
  6. Select Use the following DNS server addresses.
  7. Enter your preferred DNS server addresses.
  8. Click OK to save.
Jan 3, 2024

What are the symptoms of DNS server problems? ›

If DNS isn't working properly, you won't be able to use web-connected services, such as your browser or email, despite your computer or router showing a working internet connection. The webpage may timeout, give you an error message, or even bring up a specific "DNS error" message.

Do I need a DNS server on my home network? ›

DNS Is More Important Than You Think

You never see them in action, but without DNS servers the internet just wouldn't work.

Who needs a DNS server? ›

The Purpose of a DNS Server

Every device that connects to the internet—including computers, smartphones, servers and tablets—does so using strings of numbers known as IP addresses. Without DNS servers, users would need to memorize IP addresses when searching for a specific website.

What is a DNS server for a wifi router? ›

A Domain Name System is a database that translates the user-friendly host names that we use to browse the Internet (e.g. plus.net) into a numerical format understood by computers, known as IP addresses (e.g. 192.168. 124.1.).

What should my DNS settings be? ›

What are the best DNS servers to use?
  • Cloudflare. Primary DNS (preferred DNS): 1.1.1.1. ...
  • Google Public DNS. Primary DNS (preferred DNS): 8.8.8.8. ...
  • Quad9. Primary DNS (preferred DNS): 208.67.222.222. ...
  • NextDNS. Primary DNS (preferred DNS): 45.90.28.190. ...
  • NordVPN. Primary DNS (preferred DNS): 103.86.96.100.
Jan 15, 2024

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