Unlocking Security and Performance: A Deep Dive into Meraki's DNS over HTTPS (DoH)

What is DNS over HTTPS (DoH)?

DNS over HTTPS (DoH) is a method of encrypting DNS queries over HTTPS. Traditionally, DNS queries are sent in plain text, making them vulnerable to eavesdropping and manipulation. DoH encrypts these queries, protecting your privacy and ensuring the integrity of your DNS resolution. This means that your internet service provider (ISP) or any network eavesdropper cannot see which websites you're trying to access.

Meraki's Implementation of DoH

Meraki, a Cisco company, offers robust network management solutions, and their integration of DoH enhances the security and privacy of their managed networks. Meraki's DoH implementation allows administrators to configure their networks to utilize a chosen DoH resolver, providing granular control over DNS resolution and improving user privacy. This configuration is typically handled through the Meraki dashboard, making it easy to manage and monitor.

Unlike some implementations, Meraki's DoH doesn't just passively allow DoH requests. Administrators can actively enforce it, ensuring that all devices on the network utilize the secure DNS resolution method. This is particularly important for organizations prioritizing security and compliance.

Benefits of Using Meraki's DoH

• Enhanced Privacy: Prevents ISPs and other network observers from seeing your DNS queries.
• Improved Security: Protects against DNS spoofing and other attacks that target DNS resolution.
• Centralized Management: Easily configure and manage DoH settings through the Meraki dashboard.
• Simplified Deployment: No need for complex configuration on individual devices.
• Improved Performance (Potentially): Some DoH resolvers offer faster resolution times due to optimized infrastructure. However, this depends on the chosen resolver and network conditions.
• Compliance: Aids in meeting various security and privacy regulations.

Configuring DoH in Meraki

The specific steps for configuring DoH in Meraki vary slightly depending on your specific Meraki hardware and software version. Generally, you will access the Meraki dashboard, navigate to the relevant network settings, and specify the DoH resolver you wish to use. Meraki typically supports popular DoH providers like Google Public DNS, Cloudflare DNS, and others. It's crucial to consult the official Meraki documentation for your specific model and version to ensure accurate configuration.

You'll likely need to specify the DoH server's URL (e.g., https://dns.google/dns-query for Google Public DNS). The dashboard will provide clear instructions and guidance during the configuration process. Always test your configuration after making changes to ensure that DNS resolution is functioning correctly.

Considerations and Potential Drawbacks

While DoH offers significant advantages, there are some considerations:

• Resolver Selection: Choosing a reputable and trustworthy DoH resolver is crucial. A compromised resolver could negate the security benefits.
• Performance Impact (Potentially): While DoH can improve performance in some cases, it could potentially introduce latency in others, depending on the resolver and network conditions.
• Network Monitoring Challenges: Encrypted DNS traffic makes it slightly harder for network administrators to monitor DNS activity for troubleshooting purposes. However, Meraki's dashboard still provides valuable insights.
• Compatibility: Ensure compatibility with all devices and applications on your network.

Conclusion

Meraki's support for DNS over HTTPS offers a significant step forward in network security and user privacy. By enabling DoH, organizations can enhance their security posture and protect sensitive user data. While some considerations exist, the benefits generally outweigh the drawbacks for most users. Proper configuration and careful selection of a trusted DoH resolver are key to maximizing the effectiveness of this powerful security feature.