DNS over HTTPS (DoH) enhances your privacy and security by encrypting your DNS queries. This guide provides a step-by-step walkthrough of configuring DoH on your Ubiquiti EdgeRouter X, explaining the benefits, potential issues, and best practices.
Traditional DNS queries are sent in plain text, making them vulnerable to eavesdropping and manipulation. With DoH, your queries are encrypted using HTTPS, preventing your ISP and other potential observers from seeing which websites you're accessing. This provides several key benefits:
Several reputable DoH providers offer excellent security and privacy. Popular choices include:
Consider the provider's privacy policy and security practices when making your selection. The best provider for you depends on your priorities.
The EdgeRouter X doesn't natively support DoH within its web interface. To implement DoH, you'll need to utilize the device's command-line interface (CLI) and configure a DNS forwarder. This involves setting up a separate DNS server that understands and uses DoH, then configuring your EdgeRouter to forward DNS queries to that server.
This method provides more control and allows for features like DoH fallback mechanisms. You'll need to install a DNS server application on a separate machine (e.g., a Raspberry Pi, a virtual machine, or another computer on your network) that supports DoH. Popular choices include:
Once you've installed and configured your chosen server (refer to its documentation for setup instructions), you'll configure your EdgeRouter X to forward DNS requests to this server's IP address.
Example (assuming your DoH server's IP is 192.168.1.100):
set system host-name my-edgerouter
set interfaces ethernet eth0 address 192.168.1.1/24
set service dns forwarders 192.168.1.100
save
Some third-party DNS services offer DoH directly. You could configure your EdgeRouter to use their DoH endpoints. This approach offers simplicity but might limit flexibility.
Example (using Cloudflare's DoH): This is not recommended, and may not reliably function without a dedicated DoH-capable DNS server.
You would still need to configure your EdgeRouter's DNS forwarders; however, there are security and functionality caveats to this method.
If DoH isn't working correctly, check the following:
Implementing DoH on your EdgeRouter X significantly improves your network's privacy and security. While it requires some technical knowledge, the benefits far outweigh the effort. Choose a reputable DoH provider, carefully configure your settings, and enjoy the enhanced protection.