DNS Question With Plusnet Hub Two Router

Hi

Not posted in this forum for years, but thought some of the more technically minded may have an answer to my question.

I am using NextDNS on my PC using the settings in my browser, under the Settings 'Use Secure DNS'. I have also set the DNS servers in Windows under Network Adapter Settings, to those of NextDNS.

I have a new Plusnet Hub Two router which has the ability to change the DNS servers from Plusnet's to NextDNS. Is there any reason to change it at the router level? If so why?

Thanks

Best Regards

Steven, Chigwell, Essex

Changing on the PC only affects the connection from that PC with any other devices using the router default. Changing at the router means that all devices connected through the router will use NextDNS.

In reply to a post by shalom2005:

I have a new Plusnet Hub Two router which has the ability to change the DNS servers from Plusnet's to NextDNS. Is there any reason to change it at the router level? If so why?

I assume the router gives out the actual DNS servers to clients, rather than the router's own IP address? If it gives out 192.168.1.254 then you will not be using secure DNS.

Edited by Oliver341 (Sun 22-May-22 21:08:35)

In reply to a post by Oliver341:

I assume the router gives out the actual DNS servers to clients, rather than the router's own IP address? If it gives out 192.168.1.254 then you will not be using secure DNS.

Most operating systems don’t support Secure DNS either, so far its mostly just the browsers.

In reply to a post by jchamier:

Most operating systems don’t support Secure DNS either, so far its mostly just the browsers.

Windows 11, iOS, macOS, Android and Linux all support some form of secure DNS "out of the box".

In reply to a post by Oliver341:

Windows 11, iOS, macOS, Android and Linux all support some form of secure DNS "out of the box".

I guess it depends if its DNS-over-SSL or DNS-over-HTTPS. Win10 doesn't (yet). Good to know the mobile OSes do, as they will see a lot more networks.

In reply to a post by jchamier:

I guess it depends if its DNS-over-SSL or DNS-over-HTTPS. Win10 doesn't (yet). Good to know the mobile OSes do, as they will see a lot more networks.

DoT: Android, Linux
DoH: Win11
Both: iOS, macOS

I don't believe Microsoft will backport DoH to Win10 now, 21H2 was probably the last opportunity.

In reply to a post by Oliver341:

I don't believe Microsoft will backport DoH to Win10 now, 21H2 was probably the last opportunity.

If they do it will be command line only.

Many thanks. I thought that was the case. I am only running three devices on the router, one my PC using Chrome (which uses NextDNS) + my phone which has the NextDNS app running!

Just wondered if it was worth messing about with the router or not...the only other device I use with the router is the TV, for iPlayer which can use Plusnet's DNS anyway.

Nice to see a lively discussion

Thanks all.

It's disappointing that DNS over HTTPS made an appearance in Windows 10 insider two years ago but a decision must have been made not to put it in release builds when Windows 11 came into development. That said, browser support does suit my needs.