The DNS is a system for controlling the names and IPs of Internet sites, with a fundamental role in making the connection faster or slower, whether on a computer or on a cell phone. Replacing the DNS server is a common recommendation to try to speed up the loading of pages, downloads and even online games. However, it is necessary to evaluate the options available, adaptability to the computer and privacy.
DNS server is not responding: see how to resolve and understand why
Understand how the DNS can include in the loading speed of internet pages Photo: Raissa Delphim / dnetc)
Understand how the DNS can include in the loading speed of internet pages Photo: Raissa Delphim / dnetc)
DNS servers act as a general web registry and identify the IP addresses of the links typed in the browser. When entering an address such as "www.dnetc.com.br", the DNS task is to find the actual IP corresponding to the website currently, the string 186.192.81.152. Browsers can open IPs instantly, but DNS serves to create "friendly" addresses that are easy to remember.
The translation of the address to the IP number is performed automatically when accessing any page. The DNS, therefore, has a responsibility to deliver the response quickly to start loading as soon as possible. However, these services can perform differently from each other and thus, it is up to the user to choose the best one to use.
Several factors influence performance, from the physical distance of the servers to the quality and level of updating of the database. A good DNS has servers spread over several parts of the world, which increases the chances of the user having one nearby when requesting an identification. When it comes to finding the number corresponding to the requested site, the DNS must have the information immediately so as not to deliver an incorrect IP.
When a DNS does not have an updated IP list, it usually asks for information from another server, this increases the user's wait even more. This response time displayed in Ping in connection tests, measured in milliseconds (ms). The faster the DNS, the lower the Ping and the faster the opening of pages.
1.1.1.1, a DNS service recently launched by Cloudflare, has the shortest response time when compared to the main alternatives on the market, such as Open DNS, by Cisco, and Google Public DNS.
These devices collect all the sites visited by the user, among other personal information, to perform the work of converting IP addresses. However, few of them make it clear how they intend to use the data. Cloudflare introduced a new advantage for DNS servers by offering the disposal of histories every 24 hours, enough to feed the database without interfering with the privacy of those who use it. The novelty means that, in addition to speed, the concern with privacy is taken into account when choosing the best alternative.
How to choose the ideal DNS
DNS performs a series of optimizations to minimize the route between the computer and the output with the IP number as much as possible. For several reasons, however, a DNS that works well for one user may not be ideal for another.
Google's Namebench is a tool capable of analyzing the route of packets transferred by the user's computer to inform the best DNS according to its connection. Remember that the application does not take privacy aspects into account when recommending a DNS service.
How to change DNS on your computer and mobile phone
By default, Wi-Fi or wired connections provide the Internet operator's DNS for all connected devices. These options, in general, perform poorly when compared to Cloudfare, Google or Cisco solutions. The only way to get around the problem is to speed up the Internet by manually changing the DNS on each device.
