Unlocking Privacy and Performance: A Comprehensive Guide to UniFi and DNS over HTTPS (DoH)

DNS over HTTPS (DoH) is a privacy-enhancing protocol that encrypts your DNS queries, preventing your internet service provider (ISP) and other potential eavesdroppers from seeing which websites you visit. Integrating this with your Ubiquiti UniFi network offers significant benefits, but it requires a nuanced understanding of the process. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know.

Why Use DoH with UniFi?

Using DoH with your UniFi network provides several key advantages:

• Enhanced Privacy: Your DNS queries are encrypted, shielding your browsing activity from prying eyes. This is particularly important in situations where network security is a concern, such as public Wi-Fi hotspots.
• Improved Performance: Some DoH resolvers are optimized for speed and efficiency, potentially resulting in faster website loading times. This is because the encrypted connection can bypass some network bottlenecks.
• Increased Security: DoH adds an extra layer of security by protecting against DNS spoofing and other attacks that can redirect your traffic to malicious websites.
• Censorship Circumvention: In regions with internet censorship, DoH can help bypass restrictions by encrypting your DNS queries and routing them through a less-censored resolver.

Implementing DoH with UniFi: Different Approaches

There are several ways to implement DoH with your UniFi network. The best approach depends on your specific needs and technical expertise:

1. Using a Compatible DNS Resolver

Many popular DNS resolvers, such as Cloudflare (1.1.1.1), Google Public DNS (8.8.8.8), and Quad9 (9.9.9.9), offer DoH support. You can configure your UniFi network to use these resolvers by modifying the DNS settings in your UniFi Network Controller. This is generally the easiest method.

Steps (general):

1. Access your UniFi Network Controller.
2. Navigate to the network settings for your network.
3. Locate the DNS settings (this may vary slightly depending on your UniFi controller version).
4. Enter the DoH-compatible DNS server addresses (e.g., https://cloudflare-dns.com/dns-query for Cloudflare).
5. Save the changes and apply them to your network.

Important Note: Not all UniFi controller versions or firmware support DoH natively through this method. Check your documentation for specific instructions.

2. Using a Third-Party Router with DoH Support

If your UniFi setup doesn't directly support DoH, consider using a third-party router that does. You can then connect this router to your UniFi network, allowing you to leverage DoH while retaining the other benefits of UniFi.

3. Using a Dedicated DoH Proxy Server

For advanced users, setting up a dedicated DoH proxy server offers greater control and customization options. This involves installing and configuring a proxy server on a separate machine and then configuring your UniFi network to route DNS traffic through this proxy.

Troubleshooting and Considerations

Here are some common issues and considerations:

• Compatibility: Ensure your UniFi controller and firmware versions are compatible with DoH. Older versions might not support this feature.
• Performance Impact: While DoH often improves performance, it's possible to experience some minor slowdowns depending on your resolver and network conditions.
• Client Compatibility: Make sure your clients (computers, smartphones, etc.) support DoH. Most modern operating systems do, but older devices may not.
• Privacy Trade-offs: While DoH protects your DNS queries from your ISP, remember that the chosen DoH resolver now has access to this information. Carefully choose a reputable provider with a strong privacy policy.

Conclusion

Implementing DoH on your UniFi network enhances your privacy and can improve performance. By carefully considering the various approaches and troubleshooting potential issues, you can significantly improve the security and privacy of your network.