OpenDNS: What it is, how it works and benefits of using this DNS service

Would you like it browse the Internet more privately and safely? In that case, a very effective alternative is to use tools like OpenDNS. Below, we explain in a simple way what OpenDNS is, how it works and the benefits that this service brings.

From now on we can tell you that You don't need to be a network expert to take advantage of free DNS servers.. In previous posts we have already explained basic concepts such as What is a DNS and what is it for?, how to know my DNS. So in the following lines we will focus on clarifying all the doubts related to this particular type of DNS so that you can make a well-informed decision.

What is OpenDNS?

You probably already know that a DNS server (Domain Name System), or Domain Name System, is a fundamental technology of the Internet. In essence, it allows users access websites using easy-to-remember domain names, like www.tecnobits. Com instead of complex numerical IP addresses. It works like the contact list on your cell phone: instead of memorizing each phone number, you just remember the contact's name and that's it.

So, when you type the name of a website in the browser, the DNS is responsible for translating it to the corresponding IP address so that the browser can load the desired website. As you may have already noticed, this process is almost instantaneous, which makes browsing the web so easy. Otherwise, we would have to memorize and type in the IP addresses of each website we wanted to visit. What a mess!

Each Internet service provider has its own DNS server, which is the one configured by default for all its users. But there may be compelling reasons to want to change your DNS server, such as enjoying greater security, privacy or stability when browsing. And this is where alternatives like OpenDNS come to the rescue to offer an improved browsing experience.

OpenDNS can be defined as a set of DNS services aimed at home and business users to make your Internet faster, more secure and more reliable. This service was founded in 2005 and is currently owned by the American multinational company Cisco. It is one of the largest and most important public DNS on the entire web, with various security options and strong support.

How does OpenDNS work?

Basically what OpenDNS does is offer your IP addresses so that anyone can use your servers. Hence, it is considered a DNS open to the general public, both companies and individuals. In this way, it stands out as one of the best alternatives to the DNS servers offered by default by Internet provider companies.

To use their services, all you have to do is replace our operator's DNS with those offered free of charge by OpenDNS (208.67.222.222 and 208.67.220.220). You can make this change on the router of your Internet connection, so that all devices that connect to it use the new protocol. Or you can also change the DNS on each device separately, be it a computer Windows o Mac, en iPhone or in Android devices.

In addition to its free version, OpenDNS offers several paid alternatives that include additional services and features. The latter are aimed especially at companies or individuals with very particular connectivity needs. We detail below How OpenDNS works in its two free versions, which in most cases are more than enough.

OpenDNS FamilyShield - Free

This free plan not only offers faster and more secure Internet connectivity, but also comes pre-configured to block adult content. The FamilyShield name servers are 208.67.222.123 and 208.67.220.123, which must be noted in the respective fields when configuring the router or smart devices.

OpenDNS Home - Free

This modality is also free, but to enjoy its advantages it is necessary create an account on the OpenDNS page. Once registered, you will find the name server codes under this category. And, next, you will have to configure your router or devices with these codes.

With OpenDNS Home you enjoy the features of the previous modality, but it also allows you customize content filtering. Additionally, you can add one or more IP addresses that you want to protect and view usage and address blocking statistics.

The advantages of using open DNS

Browsing the internet has never been so easy and so dangerous as now. That is why it is advisable to adopt some measures to protect the security of those who connect to the web. As we have seen, one of these measures consists of using alternative DNS servers to those configured by default from the Internet connection provider companies. And among the different options that exist, OpenDNS stands out for being one of the most robust, secure and reliable DNS services. Its main advantages are:

• Faster and more reliable internet. OpenDNS stands out for inincrease speed loading of the web pages we visit, as well as file downloads.
• Safer browsing. Among the main advantages of this DNS service are the advanced tools for block unwanted content. Their free basic plan comes pre-configured to block web pages based on their category and other parameters. Additionally, OpenDNS offers additional protection against malware, phishing and other latent risks on the web.
• Easy to configure. Activating the functions of this free DNS is very simple and does not require special knowledge. Besides, On their website there is a whole repertoire of guides and instructions detailed instructions to get it started.
• Is free. OpenDNS offers two free plans: one without registration and another in which it is necessary to create an account. This allows you to add an extra layer of security to your Internet connection without having to pay a single euro.
• Technical support and configuration. If you encounter any problems with the configuration or have persistent questions, you can contact technical support by phone or email. It's free and available 24/7.