Speed Up Your Internet: Google Public DNS
Enhance Your Internet Speed with Google Public DNS
Are you seeking a more responsive internet experience with quicker page loading times? If so, exploring Google Public DNS might be a beneficial step. This article will guide you through the process of configuring it on either your router or directly on your home computer.
The Domain Name System (DNS) is responsible for translating complex IP addresses into easily remembered hostnames. Utilizing your Internet Service Provider’s (ISP) default DNS settings doesn’t always guarantee optimal speed. Previously, we highlighted OpenDNS as a potentially faster alternative, offering enhanced speeds and additional features. Now, Google has introduced a complimentary public DNS service, and we will detail its setup for both PCs and routers.
Configuring Google DNS on a Windows Computer
To implement Google Public DNS on a Windows 7 system, begin by right-clicking the Network icon and selecting Properties.
Alternatively, you can locate the Network and Sharing Center by entering its name into the Start Menu’s search function.
Within the Network and Sharing Center, click on “Change adapter settings,” which is positioned on the screen’s right-hand side.
Next, right-click on “Local Area Connection” and choose Properties. If you are connected wirelessly, right-click on “Wireless Network Connection” and select Properties instead.
The “Local Area Connection Properties” window will appear. Highlight “Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)” and then click the “Properties” button.
The “Internet Protocol Version 4 Properties” window will open. If existing DNS settings are present, record them for potential reversion. Select “Use the following DNS server addresses” and input the following values for “Preferred DNS server” and “Alternate DNS server:
It is noted by Google that the primary and secondary addresses can be interchanged, however, avoid using the same number for both.
Preferred DNS Server: 8.8.8.8
Alternate DNS Server: 8.8.4.4
Click “Ok” and close the remaining windows. Reboot your system and then verify the new settings by browsing to your frequently visited websites to ensure proper functionality.
An additional test involves directly entering an IP address into your browser. For example, typing http://208.43.115.82 into the address bar should correctly display howtogeek.com.
Configuring Google DNS on Your Router
This example uses a Belkin Wireless Router. While the specific steps may vary depending on your router model, the underlying principle remains consistent. Access your router’s configuration settings by entering its IP address into your web browser. For a Belkin router, the default is typically 192.168.2.1.
Enter the router’s password if prompted, then locate the DNS settings. In this Belkin example, they are found under “Internet WAN.”
You may be asked to re-enter the login password.
Input the primary and secondary DNS addresses and apply the changes. As Google suggests, the primary and secondary addresses can be interchanged, but do not use the same number for both. We configured ours as follows:
Primary: 8.8.8.8
Secondary: 8.8.4.4
After applying the DNS changes, your router may require a restart. A Belkin router, for instance, will reboot in approximately 40 seconds. Once the router has rebooted, test the settings to confirm they are functioning correctly.
Configuring Google DNS on Ubuntu Linux
Here’s how to add Google DNS to Ubuntu 9.10. Navigate to System > Preferences > Network Connections.
Select your Ethernet or Wireless connection and click “Edit.”
Go to the IPv4 Settings tab and change the “Method” drop-down box to “Automatic (DHCP) address only.” In the “DNS Servers” field, enter the two Google DNS addresses, separated by a space, and then click “Apply.”
Enter your system password and click “Authenticate.” Close the remaining screens and then test your browser to verify the settings are successful.
Conclusion
Having utilized Google DNS for several days, I’ve observed a noticeable improvement in page loading speeds compared to OpenDNS, and a significant increase over my ISP’s default settings. While Google DNS offers faster performance, it lacks the additional features of OpenDNS, such as content filtering, typo correction, and a user dashboard. It can also be implemented on Mac computers and servers if desired. Reports suggest that users in international locations may experience particularly substantial benefits. We are eager to hear about your experiences. Have you been using Google Public DNS? Share your results in the comments below.
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