Linksys Velop mesh WiFi systems offer a convenient way to cover your entire home with reliable internet access. However, enhancing your online privacy and potentially improving performance can be achieved by configuring DNS over HTTPS (DoH). This guide will walk you through the process of setting up DoH on your Linksys Velop system, explaining what it is, its benefits, and how to implement it.
Domain Name System (DNS) is the phonebook of the internet. When you type a website address (like `google.com`) into your browser, your device queries a DNS server to translate that address into an IP address (a numerical identifier) that your computer understands. Traditionally, this communication happens over unencrypted protocols, making it vulnerable to eavesdropping and manipulation. DNS over HTTPS encrypts this communication, protecting your DNS queries from prying eyes, including your internet service provider (ISP).
Unfortunately, Linksys Velop doesn't offer a built-in setting to directly select a DoH provider. This means achieving DoH requires configuring it on your individual devices (computers, smartphones, tablets). Here's a breakdown of how to do this for common operating systems:
This is the most common approach and provides the most control. You will need to set your preferred DoH provider on each device connected to your Velop network. Popular providers include Cloudflare (1.1.1.1), Google Public DNS (8.8.8.8), and Quad9 (9.9.9.9). Here's a brief overview for different systems:
While Windows doesn't natively support DoH, you can achieve similar results using a third-party DNS client or by modifying the network adapter settings to use a DoH-enabled DNS server via its IP address.
macOS also lacks native DoH support, and similar to Windows, requires the use of a third party application or manual setting of the IP address.
Some Android versions and launchers allow configuring a custom DNS server. This is typically found within the network settings of your device. Again, you'll use the IP address of your chosen DoH provider.
iOS also does not have direct support for DoH, preventing a direct configuration within its settings.
If your goal is to have DoH enabled for all devices without individual configuration, consider a router explicitly supporting DoH. Many newer router models offer this as a built-in feature. Replacing your Linksys Velop with a compatible router would be necessary in this instance.
Several reputable DoH providers are available. Consider factors such as privacy policies, location of servers (for latency), and security features when making your choice. Research each provider to find one that best suits your needs.
If you encounter issues after configuring DoH, ensure you've entered the IP address correctly. Also, try restarting your devices and your Linksys Velop nodes. If problems persist, consult the support documentation for your chosen DoH provider and your Linksys Velop model.
By implementing DNS over HTTPS, you can significantly improve the privacy and security of your online experience while using your Linksys Velop mesh WiFi system.