Unblocking the Web: The Role of DNS Systems in Accessing Restricted Websites 2024
The internet serves as a vast repository of information and a platform for global communication. However, in certain regions, governments or organizations may impose restrictions on specific websites for various reasons. Despite these restrictions, individuals often seek ways to access blocked content. One of the methods employed to circumvent these blocks involves understanding the Domain Name System (DNS) or the role of DNS and leveraging its capabilities.
Understanding the Role of DNS:
The DNS is a fundamental component of the internet infrastructure, acting as a translator between human-readable domain names and IP addresses. When you enter a website’s domain name (e.g., www.example.com) into your browser, the DNS translates that name into the corresponding IP address, allowing your device to connect to the web server hosting the site.
How Website Blocking Works:
Governments and institutions typically employ DNS filtering or blocking to restrict access to specific websites. When a user attempts to access a blocked site, the DNS resolver provided by the internet service provider (ISP) returns an incorrect or null IP address, preventing the connection.
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DNS Manipulation to Access Blocked Websites:
Individuals seeking to access blocked websites often turn to DNS manipulation as a workaround. Here’s how this process works:
1. Using Alternate DNS Servers:
Users can switch from their ISP’s default DNS servers to alternative servers that may not implement the same blocking restrictions. Public DNS services, such as Google’s (8.8.8.8), Cloudflare’s (1.1.1.1), or OpenDNS, are commonly employed for this purpose.
2. VPN Services:
Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) create an encrypted tunnel between the user’s device and a server located in a different geographic region. By connecting to a VPN server in a country without website restrictions, users can effectively bypass DNS-based blocking.
3. Proxy Servers:
Proxy servers act as intermediaries between users and websites. By directing traffic through a proxy server located in an unrestricted region, users can access blocked content without triggering DNS-based restrictions.
4. DNS Encryption (DNS over HTTPS or DNS over TLS):
Encrypting DNS queries helps prevent ISPs from inspecting or manipulating DNS traffic. Technologies like DNS over HTTPS (DoH) and DNS over TLS (DoT) add an additional layer of security, making it harder for ISPs to interfere with DNS requests.
Legal and Ethical Considerations:
While accessing blocked content through DNS manipulation is technically possible, it’s essential to recognize the legal and ethical implications. Users should be aware that circumventing website blocks may violate local laws and terms of service agreements.
Steps to change DNS in Mobile Phone:
For Android:
- Go to mobile’s setting
- Click on search box and type DNS or Click connection setting and goto DNS setting
- Click on private DNS than choose private DNS Provider hostname
Now you can change your DNS server
If you want to add any one domain name from the following list, just type any one domain name and click save.
Like dns.google this is the example of Domain Name of google.
List of Public Domain Names
| Domain | IPv4 Addresses | Domain Name |
| Google Public DNS | Preferred DNS: 8.8.8.8 Alternate DNS: 8.8.4.4 | dns.google |
| Cloudflare DNS | Preferred DNS: 1.1.1.1 Alternate DNS: 1.0.0.1 | 1dot1dot1dot1.cloudflare-dns.com |
| OpenDNS | Preferred DNS: 208.67.222.222 Alternate DNS: 208.67.220.220 | resolver1.opendns.com |
| Quad9 | Preferred DNS: 9.9.9.9 Alternate DNS: 149.112.112.112 | dns.quad9.net |
| Comodo Secure DNS | Preferred DNS: 8.26.56.26 Alternate DNS: 8.20.247.20 | dns.comodo.com |
Conclusion:
The DNS system, designed to enhance the efficiency of internet communication, inadvertently becomes a tool for bypassing website restrictions. While understanding DNS manipulation techniques may be helpful for educational purposes, users should always consider the legal and ethical aspects of their actions. Additionally, governments and organizations may adapt their methods to counteract circumvention techniques, highlighting the ongoing cat-and-mouse game in the world of online censorship and access.
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