Recommend me a stable dns server

[RoRo90]

Rogers dns server is pretty horrible everytime my internet cuts out it's an issue with the dns which is no secret. I've been trying to use googles 8.8.8.8 or 8.8.4.4 but every now and then get dns issues. Can someone recommend me a stable dns that they use?

***edited labels***

[Chris · Accepted solution]

Using Google DNS or another third party DNS server.

I've used this tip myself to help speed up my internet as well as help others with their wireless internet devices who were having problems staying connected.

DNS is a server that translates from human readable addresses to the addresses the computer needs to make the connection.. So for instance google.ca is 72.125.225.83 (aren't you glad you only need to remember google.ca?).

Now Rogers provides a couple DNS servers by default but if you'd like faster more reliable responses than you can change to use a third party one.

Google: https://code.google.com/speed/public-dns/docs/using.html
Open DNS: https://store.opendns.com/get/basic

Personally I use google DNS, it's pretty easy to setup and I haven't had any issues with it.

*edited to add a subject line - this was part of the tech tips contest (Gina)

[Chris · Accepted solution]

Using Google DNS or another third party DNS server.

I've used this tip myself to help speed up my internet as well as help others with their wireless internet devices who were having problems staying connected.

DNS is a server that translates from human readable addresses to the addresses the computer needs to make the connection.. So for instance google.ca is 72.125.225.83 (aren't you glad you only need to remember google.ca?).

Now Rogers provides a couple DNS servers by default but if you'd like faster more reliable responses than you can change to use a third party one.

Google: https://code.google.com/speed/public-dns/docs/using.html
Open DNS: https://store.opendns.com/get/basic

Personally I use google DNS, it's pretty easy to setup and I haven't had any issues with it.

*edited to add a subject line - this was part of the tech tips contest (Gina)

[Gdkitty]

I have been writing something to post on here.. but never got around to completing it..
A sort of DNS guide, as to how/what best optimizey your DNS.

http://code.google.com/p/namebench/downloads/detail?name=namebench-1.3.1-Windows.exe&can=2&q

THat program, will go and run, and give you results for the fastest DNS servers to you, etc.

Though.. that wont always equate to stability.
I havent had much issues with google ones... but i am only on my rogers connection primarily using stuff that would use it, durring the evening only and not all day.

[mrbrimi]

I use Gibson's DNS Benchmark https://www.grc.com/dns/benchmark.htm It does some tests for reliability as well as speed.

[thegrommit]

I use OpenDNS as my primary DNS: http://www.opendns.com/opendns-ip-addresses/

In case that URL is blocked by the forum, their IP's are 208.67.222.222 and 208.67.220.220

[RoRo90]

I have used Gibsons DNS Benchmark but have no idea hat the colors mean after I run it. Particulary green/blue/red. It seems to only test for speed and not stability.

I don't know what is going on I keep getting the message "Your computer appears to be correctly configured, but the device or resource (DNS server) is not responding" It is very frustrating i've been having this issue on and off. When it happens the net will either get very laggy until it disconnects or stabilizes 10-15seconds for this to happen or it will just straight cut off and I will have to wait 3-8minutes for the dns error to go away. I'm on the extreme service using the cisco modem. It's funny because I don't ever remembering having this issue when I was on express.

this start around a year ago replaced the modem it stopped happening now here I am again with the same issue. I replaced the modem yesterday it was fine now today i'm getting the same dns errors.

I've tried Googles/opendns/and a lot of others it makes no difference I still get the random disconnects leading to the dns error.

I've tried changing the router to bridged mode made no difference.

Plugging the modem directly into the wall outlet instead of the power bar no difference.

Resetting the modem to factory settings no difference.

Had a tech come over around a year ago to change some wires outside on the lawn, in my garage and where the modem is located.

Checked the power levels of down/upstream they are all withing reasonable ranges. 

I've called rogers numerous times they state everything is fine according to them. The issue is they can't see much because this issue comes and goes

[arielsfr]

Hello,

Trying to troubleshoot some sites loading slowly, I noticed that my DNS settings (OSX Yosemite, SysPref -> Ethernet -> Advanced -> DNS tab; modem is Hitron) say:

DNS Servers: 192.168.0.1

Search domains: vlan1.phub.net.cable.rogers.com

Are these correct?

And while I'm at it: is it recommended to switch to Google DNS or should I stay with Rogers's?

Thank you!

Ariel

[RogersMoin]

Hello Ariel, thank you for your post and welcome to Rogers Community Forum!

The default settings you see in your system, they are accurate. You’ve mentioned only some sites are loading slow, is this happening consistently or all your devices? These slow websites, do they belong to a specific geographic region?

If you wish to switch to alternate DNS to see if those websites open faster, you can definitely try so; I’ve found a good article about DNS settings, you may want to explore it.

@Community, please chime in and share your observations/expertise.

Thanks,
RogersMoin

[arielsfr]

Hello, RogersMoin,

Thank you very much for your help! The current version of OSX seems to have some issues with DNS resolution; I just wanted to make sure that my DNS settings aren't the problem.

Thank you also for the link -- much appreciated!

All the best--
Ariel

[netwrks]

I would say, that your assumption about Rogers DNS is wrong.. 

If you want to a good description of what to do RE: DNS, and why,  have a look at this post. Read items 2,3,4. You should get the gist of it...  http://www.snbforums.com/threads/dns-servers.23828/