How to know my DNS

Campus Guides
2023-07-08T18:48:29+00:00

How to know my DNS

How to know my DNS

The Domain Name System (DNS) is an essential part of the Internet infrastructure. Acting like an online phone book, DNS converts domain names into IP addresses that computers use to communicate with each other. If you've ever wondered what DNS servers you're using or want to get more information about your network settings, you're in the right place. In this article, we will explore different methods to discover which DNS you are using, giving you the technical knowledge necessary to understand and diagnose your Internet connection. Regardless of whether you are a beginner in the field of technology or an experienced expert, in these lines you will find valuable information to resolve your doubts about how to know your DNS.

1. Introduction to DNS fundamentals

DNS, for its acronym in English Domain Name System, is a fundamental piece of the Internet and allows users to access websites by translating domain names into IP addresses.

In this section, the fundamentals of DNS will be introduced and the basic concepts related to its operation will be explained. Topics such as the hierarchical structure of DNS, DNS servers, and name resolution will be covered. In addition, practical examples and tips will be provided to better understand how this system works.

It is important to understand the fundamentals of DNS in order to troubleshoot and optimize its performance. Throughout this section, the different tools available to diagnose and solve problems DNS, as well as best practices for configuring and managing DNS servers. Join us on this journey into the world of DNS fundamentals!

2. What is DNS and how does it work?

DNS (Domain Name System) is a fundamental part of the Internet infrastructure. It is a system that allows domain names to be translated into IP addresses, so that browsers can access websites.

When a user enters a URL into their browser, the first step is to send a request to the DNS server. The DNS server searches your database the IP address associated with the domain name and returns this information to the browser. In this way, the browser can establish a connection with the corresponding web server and access the requested site.

The operation of DNS is based on a hierarchy of servers distributed throughout the world. When a DNS server does not have the requested information, it communicates with other DNS servers in a process known as query resolution. This process continues until the appropriate DNS server with the required information is found. In short, DNS acts as an Internet phone book, allowing IP addresses to be associated with domain names. efficiently y in real time.

In conclusion, DNS is essential to the functioning of the Internet, as it allows users to access websites using domain names instead of IP addresses. Its operation is based on a hierarchy of servers that communicate with each other to resolve user queries. Understanding how DNS works is essential for anyone involved in developing, managing, or using websites and online services.

3. Importance of knowing your DNS

Knowing how your DNS works is essential to ensure correct access and flow of information on the Internet. The DNS, for its acronym in English "Domain Name System", is a system responsible for translating domain names into IP addresses, thus allowing communication between servers and web browsing. Understanding how your DNS works will give you the control needed to troubleshoot connectivity or performance issues.

One of the reasons why it is important to know your DNS is to be able to identify and resolve name resolution problems. If you are experiencing problems accessing certain websites, it may be due to an error in name resolution at the DNS level. Knowing your DNS servers will allow you to verify that they are correctly configured and identify possible errors or delays. Additionally, knowing how your DNS works will allow you to switch to other faster or more trusted DNS servers if you need to.

Knowing your DNS is also relevant for online security. By knowing your DNS servers, you will be able to detect if you are falling victim to attacks such as DNS cache poisoning or DNS hijacking. These attacks can redirect your browsing requests to malicious websites or intercept your communications. By being informed about your DNS servers, you can take steps to protect yourself and ensure a safe browsing environment. safe and reliable.

4. Methods to find out your DNS

In this section we will explain different ones and solve any related problem. Here you will find various options that will be useful to you depending on your needs and technical knowledge. Follow the instructions Step by Step to achieve the desired results.

1. Use the "ipconfig" command in Windows:
– Open a command window by typing “cmd” in the start menu and pressing Enter.
– In the command window, type “ipconfig” and press Enter.
– Look for the “DNS Settings” section and you will find the IP address of your primary and secondary DNS.

2. Use the network settings on your device:
– In Windows, go to “Network and Internet Settings” in the start menu.
– Click “Change adapter options” and select your network connection.
– Right click and select “Properties”.
– Find “Internet Protocol version 4 (TCP/IPv4)” and click “Properties”.
– In the pop-up window, select “Use the following DNS server addresses” and you will see the configured IP addresses.

3. Use online tools:
– There are several tools available online that allow you to check your DNS. Some popular options include “DNSstuff,” “DNS Checker,” and “MXtoolbox.”
– Enter the domain name you want to verify and these tools will provide you with detailed information about your DNS servers.

Remember that it is important to have administrative access to your device and Internet connection to perform these methods. If you are still having problems after finding out your DNS, you may need to consult with a specialized technician for additional help.

5. Using the command line to discover your DNS

Step 1: Open the command line on your computer. You can do this in Windows by pressing the "Windows + R" key and then typing "cmd" in the dialog box. On Mac, go to the “Applications” folder, then “Utilities,” and double-click “Terminal.”

Step 2: Once you have the command line open, you can begin to discover information about your DNS. To get details about the DNS server you are connected to, use the command "ipconfig /all" on Windows or "ifconfig" on Mac. This will display all of your computer's network information, including DNS server settings.

Step 3: If you want to get more specific information, such as the IP address of a particular domain, you can use the "nslookup" command followed by the domain you want to query. For example, if you want to get the IP address of "www.example.com", type "nslookup www.example.com" at the command line. This will show you the IP address associated with that domain.

6. Verifying your DNS on different operating systems

To verify your DNS in different systems operational, there are several steps you can take to fix the problem. The necessary steps are listed below:

1. Windows:
– Open the command prompt by typing “cmd” in the search bar and selecting “Command Prompt” from the results.
– In the command prompt window, type the command “ipconfig /all” and press Enter.
– Find the “DNS Settings” section and check the IP address and DNS server settings.

2. Mac OS:
– Open the “System Preferences” app from the Apple menu.
– Click on “Network” and select the network connection you are using.
– Click “Advanced” and go to the “DNS” tab to see the current DNS settings.

3. Linux:
– Open a terminal and type the command “cat /etc/resolv.conf” to see the current DNS configuration.
– You can also use tools like “nslookup” or “dig” to get more details about DNS settings.

7. Checking your DNS with online tools

There are several online tools you can use to check the status of your DNS and detect potential problems. These tools allow you to perform tests in real time and get detailed information about your DNS servers.

One of the most popular tools is DNSChecker. This tool allows you to check name resolution, as well as verify the response time of your DNS servers. Additionally, you will be able to see if your DNS servers are correctly configured and if they are responding to queries correctly. Using DNSChecker is very simple, you just need to enter the domain name you want to verify and the tool will show you the test results.

Another useful tool is DNSstuff, which offers a variety of tests and diagnostics for your DNS. With DNSstuff, you can check your DNS settings, perform name resolution tests, check the validity of SPF records, and much more. This tool also provides you with detailed information about your DNS servers, such as geographic location, provider, and response time. With all these features, DNSstuff becomes a complete tool to check the status of your DNS.

8. Know your DNS to solve connectivity problems

To solve connectivity problems, it is essential to know your DNS (Domain Name System). DNS is responsible for translating domain names into IP addresses, allowing devices to communicate on the Internet. If you're experiencing difficulty connecting to certain websites or your Internet connection is slow, a DNS issue may be to blame. Next, we will explain how to check and solve problems related to your DNS.

1. Check if the problem is specific to DNS. Try accessing different websites and check if they all have the same connectivity issue. If only a website does not load correctly, the problem may not be with DNS, but with the website itself or your Internet connection.

  • If no website loads correctly, you probably have a DNS problem.

2. Use the “ping” tool to check if you can resolve domain names. Open a command window (on Windows, press Win+R and type "cmd"; on Mac, search for "Terminal" in Spotlight) and type "ping website_name." If you receive responses with IP addresses, it means that your DNS is working correctly. If you don't receive any responses or error messages, you may have a problem with your DNS.

3. If there is a problem with your DNS, try changing the DNS servers you are using. You can use public DNS servers such as Google (8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4) or Cloudflare (1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1). To do this, go to network settings from your device and look for the DNS settings section. Enter the IP addresses of the new DNS servers and save the changes. Restart your Internet connection and check if the problem has been resolved.

9. The relevance of keeping your DNS updated

Keeping your DNS up to date is vitally important to ensure the efficient and secure operation of your website. The DNS, or Domain Name System, is responsible for translating domain names into IP addresses so that users can access your website. If your DNS is not up to date, you may experience access issues, slow page loading, and even security vulnerabilities.

You can follow these steps to keep your DNS updated:

  • Check your DNS provider: Make sure you know which DNS provider you are using and access their control panel.
  • Update your DNS records: Review and update existing records in your DNS provider's control panel. This includes A, CNAME, MX records, among others, which are essential for the functioning of your website and email.
  • Set the appropriate expiration: Make sure you set an appropriate expiration for your DNS records. This will prevent logs from becoming obsolete and causing access problems.

Keeping your DNS up to date is an ongoing process that requires regular attention. It is advisable to perform periodic reviews of your DNS provider's control panel and stay aware of related updates and best practices. You can also use online tools and services to check the configuration and health of your DNS. Remember that keeping an updated DNS is essential to guarantee optimal performance and security of your website.

10. How to change and configure your DNS manually

If you need to change or configure your DNS servers manually, here we explain how to do it easily.

1. First, access your device's network settings. This may vary depending on whether you are using a computer, smartphone, or tablet. You'll usually find the option in the settings or network preferences section.

  • On Windows: Go to “Network and Internet Settings” and select “Network and Sharing Center.” Click “Change adapter settings” and select your network connection. Then, click “Properties” and select “Internet Protocol version 4 (TCP/IPv4)”.
  • On macOS: Go to “System Preferences” and select “Network.” Click on your network connection and then "Advanced." Go to the “DNS” tab and click the “+” sign to add new DNS addresses.
  • On Android: Go to “Settings” and select “Network and Internet” or “Connections.” Then, select your connection type (Wi-Fi or mobile data) and look for the “Advanced settings” option. Here you can manually add your DNS servers.

2. Once you are in the network settings, find the DNS section and select the option to configure DNS servers manually. Depending on your device, you may need to click "Add" or "+" to enter your own DNS addresses.

3. Next, enter the DNS addresses you want to use. You can use Google's public DNS servers (8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4) or Cloudflare's (1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1). Make sure you enter each DNS address in a separate field. If you want to use more than two DNS servers, select the option to add more fields.

11. What to do if you can't determine your DNS?

If you are experiencing difficulties determining your DNS, don't worry, there are solutions available to resolve this problem. Here are some actions you can take:

1. Check network settings: Make sure your device is connected to an active network and all network settings are set correctly. Also check that other devices in the same network are working correctly.

2. Restart your Router and device: Sometimes simply restarting your Router and device can fix the problem. Turn off both devices, wait a few minutes, and then turn them on again. This will reset any incorrect settings and may reset your network connection.

3. Check your DNS settings: Make sure the DNS addresses entered on your device are correct. You can check this by going to your device's network settings and checking the DNS addresses provided. If you are not sure which addresses to use, you can contact your Internet service provider for assistance.

12. Recommendations and best practices for DNS management

This section will present some that will help you optimize the performance and security of your system.

1. Avoid using CNAME records at the parent domain level: It is advisable to avoid excessive use of CNAME records on the primary domain, as this can lead to performance issues and make it difficult to configure future updates. Instead, it is recommended to use A or AAAA records to point directly to the IP address of the corresponding server.

2. Implement DNS propagation using an appropriate time to live (TTL): The time to live (TTL) of a DNS record determines how long the information is cached on users' DNS servers. It is important to set a proper TTL to avoid propagation issues and allow quick changes to DNS settings when necessary.

3. Make regular backups of DNS records: It is essential to make regular backup copies of DNS records to avoid possible data loss in case of failures or configuration errors. You can use DNS management tools that allow you to export and store backups of the records in a safe way.

Implementing these recommendations and best practices will help you have an efficient and secure DNS management system. Always remember to keep a regular track of your DNS records and stay aware of updates and changes to DNS management best practices.

13. Taking advantage of DNS diagnostic tools

There are various DNS diagnostic tools that can help you solve related problems. with the system of domain names. These tools provide detailed information about the configuration, resolution and response of DNS servers, which can be very useful in identifying and solving any problems.

One of the most used tools is Dig. Dig is a command line tool that allows you to perform DNS queries and get detailed information about a particular domain. You can use Dig to check DNS records for a specific domain, get information about authoritative name servers, and perform DNS resolution tests. Here is the basic command to use Dig:

you

Another useful tool is nslookup. Nslookup is a command line tool that also allows you to perform DNS lookups. You can use nslookup to check the resolution of a specific domain and get information about the DNS servers that are responding to queries. Here is the basic command to use nslookup:

nslookup

14. Conclusions and final tips to know your DNS

To conclude, it is important to highlight that knowing your DNS can be very useful to solve various problems related to internet connection and web browsing. Throughout this article we have seen different tips and recommendations that will help you determine what your DNS is and how to solve any problems you may have.

First of all, it is advisable to use tools like ipconfig on Windows or ifconfig on Linux to get detailed information about your network connection and the DNS servers used. You can also use online services such as WhatIsMyDNS o Detect DNS to Get accurate information about your DNS provider.

If you are experiencing speed issues on your internet connection, one option is to switch to a faster DNS or use public DNS services such as Google DNS o Cloudflare DNS. You can do it by following the steps that we have described in this article, taking into account the necessary considerations and precautions to avoid possible inconveniences.

In conclusion, understanding how to know your DNS is essential to ensure an efficient and secure connection to the Internet. Through the methods mentioned in this article, you can get valuable information about your DNS server, such as the IP address and associated records. Additionally, understanding the different types of DNS, such as primary and secondary DNS, gives you the knowledge you need to troubleshoot connection issues and optimize your online experience. Remember that DNS plays a vital role in Internet browsing, so knowing how to check and manage it helps you maintain a stable and reliable connection. Stay informed and perform the necessary checks to ensure optimal use of your DNS. With this information at your disposal, you can make smarter decisions and improve the efficiency of your network.

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