What is 1.1.1.1?

The Domain Name System (DNS) acts as the internet's address book translating domain names like example.com into IP addresses that computers can understand. Among the many public DNS resolvers available, 1.1.1.1 stands out for its speed, security, and privacy.

Introduction to 1.1.1.1 : The Privacy-First DNS Resolver

1.1.1.1 is a free, public DNS resolver designed to enhance internet browsing speed, security, and privacy. It was launched by Cloudflare in collaboration with the Asia-Pacific Network Information Centre (APNIC). Since its launch, it has become widely recognized as a reliable DNS service.

The main purpose of 1.1.1.1 is to replace the default DNS resolvers provided by Internet Service Providers (ISPs), which are often slower and may track user activity. It offers a faster DNS resolution process and reduces website load times, hence providing a smoother browsing experience. Its commitment to user privacy makes it different, as Cloudflare commits to not storing identifiable user data and deletes all logs within 24 hours.

Technical Details

Why Use 1.1.1.1

1.1.1.1 is designed to address common problems associated with traditional DNS resolvers, such as slow internet speeds, lack of privacy, and potential DNS-based attacks. Unlike default DNS resolvers provided by Internet Service Providers (ISPs), which often log user data or operate with slower query times, 1.1.1.1 offers an efficient and privacy-first alternative.

Features and Benefits of 1.1.1.1

1. Speed: 1.1.1.1 is one of the fastest DNS resolvers globally. By prioritizing speed, it reduces the time taken to resolve domain names, resulting in faster website loading times. According to Cloudflare, it has an average query response time of just 13.8 milliseconds, outperforming competitors like Google DNS and OpenDNS.
2. Privacy: Unlike many DNS resolvers, 1.1.1.1 does not log user IP addresses or sell user data. Temporary logs are deleted within 24 hours, and independent audits ensure compliance with its privacy policies. It also supports encrypted protocols like DNS over HTTPS (DoH) and DNS over TLS (DoT) to prevent third-party interception of DNS queries.
3. Security: 1.1.1.1 protects users from DNS-based attacks such as cache poisoning which can redirect users to malicious websites. Its advanced encryption capabilities ensure safe and secure internet usage.
4. Accessibility: 1.1.1.1 is available globally and free to use and is also compatible with most devices, including computers, smartphones, and routers. The setup process is simple and Cloudflare provides a dedicated app for mobile users.

How Does 1.1.1.1 Work

When a user types a domain name into their browser, the DNS resolver translates it into an IP address. By using 1.1.1.1, this process happens faster and more securely. Its servers strategically distributed worldwide ensure minimal latency and enhanced privacy during the resolution process.

How to Set Up 1.1.1.1

On Windows

1. Open Control Panel > Network and Internet > Network Connections.
2. Right-click your network connection and select Properties.
3. Select Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) and click Properties.
4. Enter 1.1.1.1 as the Preferred DNS and 1.0.0.1 as the Alternate DNS.

On MacOS

1. Go to System Preferences > Network.
2. Select your active network, click Advanced, and go to the DNS tab.
3. Add 1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1.

On Mobile Devices

1. Download the 1.1.1.1 app from your app store.
2. Open the app and follow the setup instructions to enable faster, safer internet browsing.

On Routers

1. Log in to your router’s settings page.
2. Navigate to DNS settings and replace existing entries with 1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1.

Limitations of 1.1.1.1

1. Region-Specific Restrictions:
   In some areas, ISPs may block access to 1.1.1.1 or redirect traffic which limits its effectiveness.
2. Partial Privacy Protection:
   While it secures DNS queries, 1.1.1.1 does not encrypt all internet traffic. A VPN is required for full privacy.
3. Compatibility Issues:
   Older devices or networks with restrictive configurations may not fully support 1.1.1.1.