MikroTik DNS over HTTPS (DoH): A Comprehensive Guide to Setup and Configuration

DNS over HTTPS (DoH) enhances your network's privacy and security by encrypting DNS queries. This guide provides a detailed walkthrough of configuring DoH on your MikroTik router, covering various scenarios and troubleshooting tips. We'll explore the benefits, potential drawbacks, and best practices for implementing DoH in your MikroTik environment.

Benefits of Using DoH with MikroTik

• Enhanced Privacy: DoH encrypts your DNS queries, preventing your ISP and potential eavesdroppers from seeing which websites you visit.
• Improved Security: Encryption protects against DNS spoofing and other attacks that could redirect your traffic to malicious websites.
• Censorship Resistance: In regions with internet censorship, DoH can help bypass restrictions by masking your DNS queries.
• Faster DNS Resolution (Potentially): Some DoH providers offer faster resolution times due to optimized infrastructure.

Potential Drawbacks

• Increased Complexity: Configuring DoH can be slightly more complex than using standard DNS.
• Reliance on a Third-Party Provider: You're trusting a third-party provider with your DNS queries. Choose a reputable provider.
• Potential for Performance Issues: Depending on the DoH provider and your internet connection, you might experience slightly slower DNS resolution in some cases.

Choosing a DoH Provider

Selecting a reputable DoH provider is crucial. Consider factors like privacy policy, performance, and geographic location. Popular options include Cloudflare (1.1.1.1), Google Public DNS (8.8.8.8), and Quad9 (9.9.9.9), but many others exist. Research and choose the one that best suits your needs.

Configuring DoH on MikroTik

The configuration process depends on your MikroTik router's version and operating system. However, the general approach involves modifying the DNS settings within the router's interface. Here's a general outline:

Method 1: Using the DNS Server Setting

This is often the simplest approach. Find your router's IP address and access its web interface. Navigate to the networking section, usually under "IP" or "Interfaces." Locate the interface you want to configure (usually the LAN interface) and modify the DNS server setting to use the DoH provider's address. You might need to specify the DoH URL directly, or simply use the IP address and let the router handle the protocol discovery (This depends on the Mikrotik version).

Method 2: Using a Custom DNS entry with DoH in DNS settings

More robust method for older Mikrotik versions. This typically involves creating a custom DNS entry and specifying the DoH server's address and protocol explicitly. Consult your MikroTik Router's manual for detailed instructions on creating custom DNS entries. This often requires expertise in MikroTik's command-line interface (CLI) using commands like `/ip dns add address=[DoH Provider IP] doh-url=[DoH URL]`

Example using the CLI (requires RouterOS expertise):

/ip dns
add address=1.1.1.1 doh-url=https://cloudflare-dns.com/dns-query

  

Verification

After configuring DoH, verify that it's working correctly. You can use online tools or your operating system's network diagnostics to check if DNS queries are being encrypted over HTTPS.

Troubleshooting

• No Internet Access: Double-check your DoH provider's address and ensure the configuration is correct. Verify network connectivity outside of DoH.
• Slow DNS Resolution: Try a different DoH provider or consider optimizing your network connection.
• DNS Errors: Check your router's logs for any errors related to DNS resolution.

Conclusion

Implementing DNS over HTTPS on your MikroTik router offers significant privacy and security benefits. By carefully following these instructions and choosing a reputable DoH provider, you can enhance the overall security posture of your network. Remember to consult your specific MikroTik router's documentation for detailed instructions and compatibility information.