DNS or Domain Name System is what your computer; smart TV, tablet, or smartphone uses to look up DNS records like domain names translated into IP address.

DNS guides your web browser where to go. A DNS server contains public IP addresses and corresponding domain names.

In an ordinary world or for non-techy people, it is safe to describe DNS as a phone book where you can look up a person’s contact number by simply using that person’s name and without having to remember that person’s number.

Where do you get your DNS server?

DNS servers are provided by your ISP or Internet Service Provider. Unless you override it, DNS happens automatically when your router connects to the Internet and asks your ISP for an IP address.

Mostly, your ISP’s response when your device asks your router for an IP address, the router would respond any of the following:

  • The router itself will act as your DNS server
  • It passes on the DNS information assigned by your Internet Service Provider (ISP)
  • Or can be a combination of both

When a request for the same information is made, there is no need to reach out to a DNS server because the information is already stored on the router.

How to find the IP address of the DNS server?

Below are the steps that you can try to find the DNS server used by your router:

Using the router’s web GUI:

  • Find and get the IP address of your router
  • For a Windows computer: open the Command prompt by going through the SEARCH bar and type “cmd”. Then, type “ipconfig” to view information. You will then be prompted with lots of information, but you only need to look for “Default Gateway” details under Wireless LAN.
  • For a Linux operated PC: Go to the search by and type “terminal” and search. Then, type “’ip r | grep default” into the terminal to view information and details. Look for the default IP address which normally is presented with the lowest metric.

Manually type the IP address into the address bar of your web browser and then also enter the username and password to access the web GUI of your router. Lastly, DNS server information will then be displayed in the “Status” tab.

Using Windows command:

  • Type the “ipconfig /all” in the command prompt and then you will be prompted with details. Look for DNS address under DND servers.
  • Or from your Windows 10 PC, right click the “Start” menu and click the command prompt. Then, type “ipconfig/all” followed by pressing the “ENTER” key on your keyboard. Then the list of DNS servers will be listed along with other details.
  • For other versions of Windows, go to the “Start” menu, then select “All Programs” followed by “Accessories” and then command prompt. Type “ipconfig/all” to be presented with your DNS server information.

Finding the best DNS servers to use for your Internet connection will aid in having a fast DNS lookups.

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