Unlocking Safer & Faster Internet with DNS over HTTPS on Your eero Mesh Network

eero, known for its robust mesh Wi-Fi systems, offers a powerful feature to enhance your online privacy and potentially improve speed: DNS over HTTPS (DoH). This article will delve into what DoH is, its benefits, how to enable it on your eero network, and address potential concerns.

What is DNS over HTTPS (DoH)?

In simple terms, the Domain Name System (DNS) translates human-readable website addresses (like `google.com`) into machine-readable IP addresses that your devices use to connect to websites. Traditionally, this DNS lookup happens over plain text (UDP/TCP), making it vulnerable to eavesdropping and manipulation. DoH encrypts this process using HTTPS, the same protocol that secures your web browsing.

By encrypting DNS queries, DoH offers several key advantages:

• Increased Privacy: Your internet service provider (ISP) and other potential observers cannot see which websites you're visiting.
• Improved Security: DoH protects against DNS spoofing and other attacks that could redirect you to malicious websites.
• Potential Speed Improvements: Some providers offer faster DoH servers, potentially leading to quicker website loading times. However, this is not always the case and depends on various factors like your location and the server's performance.

Enabling DNS over HTTPS on Your eero Network

The process of enabling DoH on your eero network is straightforward. The exact steps might vary slightly depending on your eero app version, but the general procedure remains consistent:

1. Open the eero app: Launch the eero app on your smartphone or tablet.
2. Navigate to Network Settings: Look for a section labelled "Network Settings," "Advanced Settings," or similar. The exact terminology might differ slightly based on your app version.
3. Find DNS Settings: Within the network settings, locate the DNS configuration options. This could be under a tab called "DNS," "Privacy," or a similar label.
4. Choose your DoH provider (optional): eero may offer a list of pre-configured DoH providers (e.g., Cloudflare, Google Public DNS). You can choose one from this list or select a custom option to use your preferred DoH resolver.
5. Enable DNS over HTTPS: Toggle the switch to enable DoH. Once enabled, your eero network will start using the chosen DoH provider for all DNS lookups.
6. Verify the change: After enabling DoH, verify its activation by checking your network settings again or by using online tools that can detect DoH usage.

Choosing a DoH Provider

Several reputable DoH providers are available. Some popular options include:

• Cloudflare DNS (1.1.1.1): Known for its focus on privacy and speed.
• Google Public DNS (8.8.8.8): A widely used and reliable option.
• Quad9 (9.9.9.9): Emphasizes security and blocking of malicious domains.

When selecting a provider, consider factors such as privacy policies, performance, and security features. Research each provider to make an informed decision.

Potential Considerations and Troubleshooting

While DoH offers numerous benefits, a few considerations exist:

• Compatibility: Although widely supported, some older or less common devices might not fully support DoH.
• Performance impact: While DoH often improves speed, in some instances, it might slightly reduce it due to increased encryption overhead. This is usually negligible.
• Censorship concerns: Some regions might experience limitations or restrictions when using certain DoH providers due to government censorship.
• Troubleshooting: If you encounter issues after enabling DoH, ensure your eero firmware is up-to-date. Try restarting your eero devices and your internet modem. If problems persist, contact eero support.

Conclusion

Implementing DNS over HTTPS on your eero network is a simple yet powerful step towards enhancing your online privacy and security. By encrypting your DNS queries, you significantly reduce the risk of eavesdropping and manipulation. While there are minor considerations, the benefits of increased privacy and potential performance improvements generally outweigh the drawbacks. Take control of your online experience and explore the advantages of DoH with your eero mesh network today!