DNS over HTTPS (DoH): Understanding 1.1.1.1 and 1.2.1.2, and Choosing the Right Provider
When you type a website address into your browser, your computer needs to translate that human-readable name (like google.com) into a machine-readable IP address (like 172.217.160.142). This translation is done by the Domain Name System, or DNS. Traditionally, this DNS lookup happens over the unencrypted UDP protocol, making it vulnerable to eavesdropping and manipulation. DNS over HTTPS (DoH) solves this problem by encrypting the DNS queries over HTTPS, the same protocol used for secure web browsing.
1.1.1.1 and 1.2.1.2: Two Popular DoH Providers
1.1.1.1 and 1.2.1.2 are the public DNS resolvers offered by Cloudflare and Quad9 respectively. Both offer DoH services, promising faster and more private DNS lookups. Let's delve into their features and differences:
Cloudflare's 1.1.1.1
- Focus on speed and privacy: Cloudflare emphasizes speed and privacy, employing a global network of servers to minimize latency.
- Privacy-focused: They don't log your DNS queries.
- WARP app: Offers a convenient application for managing DoH settings and other privacy features on various devices.
- DNS-over-HTTPS: Supports DNS over HTTPS for enhanced security.
- 1.0.0.1: Cloudflare also offers a related service, 1.0.0.1, which is functionally similar but branded differently.
Quad9's 1.2.1.2
- Security and safety: Quad9 prioritizes security and safety, blocking known malicious domains and providing filtering options.
- Threat intelligence: They use threat intelligence to block access to malicious websites, improving overall security.
- DNS-over-HTTPS: Similarly to Cloudflare, Quad9 also supports DoH.
- Filtering options: Offers different filtering levels to customize the security level.
- Transparency: Their privacy policy clearly outlines their data collection practices.
Choosing the Right DoH Provider
The best DoH provider for you depends on your priorities. Here's a breakdown to help you decide:
- Prioritize speed: Cloudflare's 1.1.1.1 generally boasts faster speeds due to its extensive global network.
- Prioritize security and filtering: Quad9's 1.2.1.2 is a great choice if you're concerned about malware and want built-in security features.
- Consider privacy policies: Review the privacy policies of both providers to ensure they align with your comfort level regarding data collection.
- Consider device support: Check if the chosen provider's DoH settings are easily configurable on your devices (routers, operating systems, etc.).
Configuring DoH
Configuring DoH varies depending on your operating system and devices. Here's a general overview:
- Manually configuring DNS settings: In your device's network settings, you can typically specify a custom DNS server. For DoH, you'll often need to enter the full HTTPS URL (e.g.,
https://1.1.1.1/dns-query for Cloudflare). The exact method varies depending on your operating system.
- Using a DoH-enabled router: Many modern routers support configuring DoH directly through their settings. This is often the easiest way to apply DoH across all devices connected to your network.
- Using browser extensions: Some browsers offer extensions that simplify configuring and using DoH.
Conclusion
DNS over HTTPS is a significant improvement in online privacy and security. Both 1.1.1.1 and 1.2.1.2 are excellent DoH providers with distinct strengths. Choose the provider that best aligns with your needs and preferences. Remember to always consult your device's documentation for specific instructions on configuring DoH.