GL.iNet Routers and DNS over HTTPS (DoH): A Comprehensive Guide

DNS over HTTPS (DoH) is a privacy-enhancing technology that encrypts your DNS queries, preventing your ISP and other potential eavesdroppers from seeing which websites you visit. GL.iNet routers, known for their open-source nature and focus on privacy, offer excellent support for DoH, allowing you to easily configure it for enhanced security and anonymity.

Why Use DoH with Your GL.iNet Router?

Enhanced Privacy: DoH encrypts your DNS requests, protecting them from interception and analysis.
Improved Security: Encryption prevents DNS spoofing and other attacks that could redirect you to malicious websites.
Censorship Resistance: DoH can help bypass some forms of internet censorship by making it harder to block access to specific websites.
Centralized Management: Configuring DoH at the router level protects all devices connected to your network, simplifying management.

Configuring DoH on GL.iNet Routers

The exact steps for configuring DoH vary slightly depending on your GL.iNet router model and its firmware version. However, the general process involves accessing the router's administration interface and modifying its DNS settings. Most GL.iNet routers allow you to specify custom DNS servers. You'll need to replace the default DNS servers provided by your ISP with the address of a DoH-enabled DNS provider.

Popular DoH Providers:

Cloudflare (1.1.1.1): Known for its speed and privacy focus. Use https://1.1.1.1/dns-query
Google Public DNS (8.8.8.8): A widely used and reliable option. Use https://dns.google/dns-query
Quad9 (9.9.9.9): Focuses on security and blocking malicious websites. Use https://dns.quad9.net/dns-query
OpenDNS (208.67.222.222): Offers a variety of features and customization options.

Note: While the above examples show the DoH query URLs, you typically only need to enter the IP address (e.g., 1.1.1.1, 8.8.8.8) in your router's DNS settings. The router handles the DoH connection internally.

Step-by-Step Guide (General):

Access your GL.iNet router's administration interface by typing its IP address (usually 192.168.8.1 or similar) into your web browser.
Log in using your router's administrator username and password.
Navigate to the Network settings, often found under sections like "WAN" or "Internet".
Locate the DNS settings. This might be labeled "DNS Server", "Primary DNS", "Secondary DNS", etc.
Enter the IP address of your chosen DoH provider in the appropriate fields. For redundancy, you might enter a secondary DoH server as well.
Save the changes and reboot your router to apply the new settings.

Important Considerations:
Always check your specific router's manual for the precise instructions. Incorrectly configured DNS settings can prevent internet access. Some older GL.iNet firmware versions might not have built-in DoH support; you might need to update your firmware. Consider the privacy implications of using any DNS provider; review their privacy policies. Ensure your router's firmware is up to date for security patches and optimal performance.

Troubleshooting

If you experience problems after configuring DoH, try the following:

Check your internet connection: Ensure that your internet connection is working correctly.
Verify your DoH provider: Make sure that you entered the correct IP address of your chosen DoH provider.
Reboot your router: A simple reboot can often resolve minor issues.
Check your router's logs: Your router's logs might provide clues about any errors.
Consult your router's documentation or community forums: Look for answers to your specific problem.

By enabling DoH on your GL.iNet router, you significantly improve your online privacy and security. Remember to choose a reputable DoH provider that aligns with your privacy preferences and carefully follow the configuration steps specific to your router model.