Setting DNS
 

I have a Linksys EA 4500 router and have messed around before with the dns settings not really understanding exactly how it works. I believe the router has a built in dns server which will act as primary, then if it has no record of the address it will then use virgins servers when no changes have been made to the dns setting?

A few questions to clear things up for me would be appreciated. If I power down the router does the built in dns server forget all collected addresses?

In the dns settings I can enter three dns addresses, using namebench virgins always comes out fastest after the routers inbuilt server, when default before i make any changes all three entry's are 0 0 0 0 , if lets say I wanted to set google dns as a backup would i first enter virgins dns 194.168.4.100 in option one then googles into option two?

Also what is the fourth option in dns settings "WINS"?

What if any advantage or reason not to use virgins dns?

Re: Setting DNS
 

It is not uknown for an ISP's DNS servers to fall over before others such as Google DNS or Open DNS.

3 DNS servers are more than enough as long as they are different.

Re: Setting DNS
 

Ignore the WINS setting, you dont need it.


Yep, that would work fine.

Re: Setting DNS
 

Some sites will be blocked from your browser by Virgin not having the MX table entry for that site on the DNS server. Often you'll be redirected to a warning page.

A similar argument exists for using non-geographic (USA) Google searches so you can see ALL the matches.

Re: Setting DNS
 

I'd be inclined to use VM's as the backup, and google's for your primary.

Re: Setting DNS
 

yup, I have had google (8.8.8.8) set as primary for years, then open dns and then google again (8.8.4.4) and never ever had any dns issues. In contrast, you'll find tonnes of users on here with shubs whining their internet is broke because VM's dns servers have gone down for hours at a time. In case you didn't know, there isn't an option on the shub to change your dns server and you are forced to use VM's. This is one of the many reasons I always say to people "buy a proper router". The EA4500 renowned for being a superb router.

Re: Setting DNS
 

Not sure what you think an MX 'table' entry is, but MX records have nothing to do with web browsing at all.

Re: Setting DNS
 

Primary: 8.8.8.8
Secondary: 208.67.222.222
Tertiary: 194.168.4.100

Have not had a DNS issue in the better part of a Decade. Usually the first time I know about Virgin DNS issues is the next day, reading about it on this forum :)

Re: Setting DNS
 

I use the same settings. Well, mostly the same, I'm not touching VM DNS with a barge pole if I have to but I use the first two, in the same order!

Re: Setting DNS
 

Likewise.

Re: Setting DNS
 

Thanks all.