What Is DNS for Netgear?
A DNS is a way to identify a computer without using an IP address. Netgear routers use DNS to recognize other computers and networks, and also to label your own computer or network. A DNS may be static, in which it does not change, or dynamic to keep up with a changing IP address.
Other People Are Reading
-
DNS and IP
-
DNS stands for Domain Name System. Every computer that accesses a network, such as the Internet, is identified by an IP address. This IP address is a series of numbers separated by periods. The address may be unique to your computer or shared between a network of computers. Rather than inputting a series of numbers every time you wish to connect to another computer through a network, you can use a DNS or domain name to connect to a specific site or computer. Domain names are often easy to remember because they consist of words instead of a string of numbers.
Dynamic DNS
-
A static DNS remains the same for one single IP address so that a particular domain name is always associated with a specific numerical IP address. A dynamic DNS is used when IP addresses change frequently. If your IP addresses is changed frequently through your Internet Service Provider and you maintain a domain on your computer or network, you must purchase a dynamic DNS from a DNS company or your ISP so that users can simply type in a domain that will be recognized by any of the IP addresses that are used by your computer and ISP. A dynamic DNS can be programmed into your Netgear router using the Advanced DNS menu and your dynamic DNS account information, so that the router will use the current IP whenever the domain name is used.
-
Netgear DNS
-
The DNS for the Netgear company is the official domain name or URL. By using Netgear's URL, you can connect to the company without inputting the IP address associated with Netgear. This works similarly to a personal DNS on your computer or network. Thus, a user can locate your domain or URL rather than memorizing the numerical string that makes up your IP address.
OpenDNS
-
Netgear utilizes OpenDNS to power some functions, like parental controls. OpenDNS is a DNS service that isn't associated with a particular Internet provider, unlike your personal DNS. While OpenDNS is a separate cloud program, its functionality is built into the parental controls that Netgear uses. OpenDNS acts as a filter so that if you accidentally mistype a URL or domain name, you won't be exposed to a malicious site. OpenDNS also maintains a list of domains that are used for parental controls to block content that is inappropriate for children. You can change settings for the parental controls through the router, while broader issues such as adding a Web page to a block list or reporting a false block can be accomplished by visiting the official page for OpenDNS and viewing the Community section.
-
