OpenDNS

From MEPIS Documentation Wiki

Contents 1 Introduction 2 Implementation - Router 3 Implementation - File Edit

Introduction

OpenDNS offers DNS resolution for consumers and businesses as an alternative to using their Internet service provider's DNS servers. By placing company servers in strategic locations and employing a large cache of the domain names, OpenDNS usually processes queries much more quickly,[1] thereby increasing page retrieval speed. DNS query results are sometimes cached by the local operating system and/or applications, so this speed increase may not be noticeable with every request, but only with requests that are not stored in a local cache. (Source]

The OpenDNS website makes it extremely easy to migrate to their service. You will enter their static DNS numbers for your computer or router, create a free account, and after a couple of clicks all is done.

For some Mepis users with connectivity issues (connection present - but unable to use the internet, or synaptic for updates), the use of the OpenDNS servers can often provide an easy solution.

There are two easy ways to set-up OpenDNS - change the setting in your router, and/or edit /etc/dhcp3/dhclient.conf file.

The router method may be a little trickier to set-up, but once it is done, it will never have to be reset - unless you factory reset your router, or replace it. [Advantage of this approach is that all computers behind the router should benefit.]

The file edit is easier to implement - but will need to be repeated if you ever reinstall Mepis. [Advantage of this approach, especially for a laptop, is that the laptop will continue to use openDNS, even when it's carried to another location!]

Implementation - Router

1. The OpenDNS website makes it easy to select the brand and model of your router, and to see exactly which settings must be changed.
2. If the OpenDNS page is not sufficient, download or access the manual for your router - google the brand and model, and search for a users manual. For this example - I'm using a Dynalink RTA 1320 ADSL2 router/firewall (excellent Mepis compatability).
3. Using the manual - search for the correct method to access the web interface. For the RTA 1320, you simply open a browser and type the address 192.168.1.1 then enter
4. A login window appears. The default login and password is admin/admin. It is a very good idea (for security) to change this password. Refer to your manual for instructions on how to do this.
5. Once you are logged in, using the manual as a guide, navigate to the section on setting up DNS. For the RTA 1320, this appears under Advanced > Internet > DNS Server. Untick the 'enable automatic assigned DNS' box, and 2 new boxes for manual input of primary and secondary DNS addresses appear. Input the OpenDNS addresses:
   • Primary DNS Server = 208.67.222.222
   • Secondary DNS Server = 208.67.220.220
6. Click apply
7. Close the browser window - and you're done. To test the settings, navigate to http://www.opendns.com/ - the page will tell you if you are using OpenDNS!

Implementation - File Edit

1. From the desktop, <alt> + F2 to bring up a run dialogue, then kdesu kwrite /etc/dhcp3/dhclient.conf and click run. Then put in root password at the prompt pop-up window. Kwrite should start with the file dhclient.conf open.
2. Look for the line
   • #prepend domain-name-servers 127.0.0.1; and immediately below it, add this line
   • prepend domain-name-servers 208.67.222.222, 208.67.220.220;
3. Save the file and then reboot your computer
4. To test the settings, navigate to http://www.opendns.com/ - the page will tell you if you are using OpenDNS!