What is DNS? Access Blocked Websites Without VPN 2023
The Domain Name System (DNS) is a fundamental component of the internet infrastructure that plays a crucial role in translating human-friendly domain names into machine-readable IP addresses. In this article, we will explore what DNS is, how it works, the distinctions between public and private DNS, and how the DNS system can be utilized to bypass blocked websites.
What is DNS?
DNS, or the Domain Name System, is essentially a distributed directory that allows us to access websites using easy-to-remember domain names instead of complex numerical IP addresses. It acts as a translator, converting human-readable domain names like www.techzpoint.com into IP addresses such as 192.168.1.1, which computers use to identify each other on a network.
Public vs. Private DNS
Public DNS: Services like Google’s Public DNS, OpenDNS, and Cloudflare’s 1.1.1.1 are examples of public DNS servers. They are publicly accessible and offer features like faster response times, security features, and sometimes content filtering.
Private DNS: Private DNS is typically used within an organization’s internal network. It provides a way for businesses to manage their own DNS settings, ensuring efficient communication within the company while maintaining control over their domain resolution.
The Mechanism of DNS Bypass:
Alternative DNS Servers
One of the most common methods of bypassing blocked websites involves switching to alternative DNS servers. Internet Service Providers (ISPs) often maintain their DNS servers and may implement restrictions on certain websites. By using alternative DNS services, users can circumvent these restrictions. Services like Google’s Public DNS (8.8.8.8, 8.8.4.4), OpenDNS, or Cloudflare’s 1.1.1.1 are popular choices. To make this change, users can manually configure their network settings or use DNS settings provided by VPN services.
VPN Services
Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) play a dual role in bypassing blocked websites. VPNs encrypt internet traffic, enhancing user privacy and security. Additionally, VPNs route internet traffic through servers located in different regions or countries. By connecting to a VPN server in a location where the desired website is accessible, users can effectively bypass geographical restrictions and access blocked content.
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Proxy Servers
Proxy servers act as intermediaries between users and the internet. When users connect to a proxy server, their internet traffic appears to originate from the proxy server’s location, masking the user’s IP address. This can be particularly effective in bypassing region-based restrictions and accessing blocked websites.
Smart DNS
Smart DNS services are designed specifically for bypassing geo-restrictions. Unlike VPNs, Smart DNS services only reroute specific portions of internet traffic related to the user’s location information. This allows users to access region-restricted content without the reduction in internet speed associated with traditional VPNs.
DNS Over HTTPS (DoH) and DNS Over TLS (DoT)
These protocols enhance the security and privacy of DNS queries. By encrypting DNS traffic, these protocols prevent third parties from monitoring or manipulating DNS requests. While their primary purpose is not to bypass blocked websites, the enhanced privacy they provide can contribute to a more secure and unrestricted internet experience.
Legal and Ethical Considerations
It’s essential to note that while these methods can be effective, users should be aware of the legal and ethical implications. Bypassing blocked websites may violate terms of service, intellectual property rights, or local laws. Users should exercise caution and ensure their actions align with legal and ethical standards.
How does DNS access the Blocked Websites?
Alternative DNS Resolvers
Public DNS services, such as those offered by Google, OpenDNS, and Cloudflare, act as alternative DNS resolvers. Instead of relying on the DNS servers provided by your ISP, you manually configure your device or network settings to use these public DNS servers.
Unrestricted Access
Public DNS servers are often designed to provide fast and unrestricted access to the internet. They typically aim to resolve domain names efficiently, without imposing limitations on specific websites. As a result, when users switch to public DNS, they may find that they can access websites that were previously blocked by their ISP’s DNS.
Bypassing Content Filters
Some ISPs implement content filtering on their DNS servers to block access to specific websites, either due to legal obligations, network policies, or other reasons. Public DNS services may not enforce the same restrictions, allowing users to bypass content filters and access blocked content.
Improved Performance
Public DNS servers often leverage advanced technologies and global server networks to enhance performance. By using anycast routing and strategically placed servers worldwide, these services can reduce latency and provide faster response times compared to some ISP DNS servers. This improved performance can contribute to a smoother browsing experience when accessing both blocked and unrestricted websites.
Security Features
Public DNS services may include security features such as DNS over HTTPS (DoH) or DNS over TLS (DoT). These protocols encrypt DNS queries, adding an extra layer of privacy and security. While the primary purpose of these features is not to bypass blocked websites, the enhanced security they provide can contribute to a more secure online experience.
How to Use Public DNS to Bypass Blocked Websites
Configure DNS Settings
Users can manually configure their device or router’s DNS settings to use public DNS servers. This process involves entering the IP addresses of the preferred public DNS service into the network settings.
Google Public DNS
Preferred DNS server: 8.8.8.8
Alternate DNS server: 8.8.4.4
OpenDNS
Preferred DNS server: 208.67.222.222
Alternate DNS server: 208.67.220.220
Cloudflare DNS
Preferred DNS server: 1.1.1.1
Alternate DNS server: 1.0.0.1
By making this adjustment, devices on the network will use the specified public DNS servers for resolving domain names, potentially bypassing restrictions imposed by the default DNS servers provided by the ISP.
Conclusion
Public DNS services offer users an alternative and often more open pathway to the internet by providing faster, more secure, and less restricted DNS resolution. By configuring their devices to use public DNS servers, users can bypass blocked websites and enjoy a more flexible and responsive online experience.
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