What is OpenDNS and Why it Matters for Your Network
Last Updated :
23 Jul, 2025
OpenDNS is a powerful tool that enhances your internet experience by providing a more secure, faster, and smarter way to navigate the web. But what exactly is OpenDNS, and why does it matter for your network? By understanding how OpenDNS works and the benefits it brings, you can make informed decisions to safeguard your network from cyber threats and improve your overall online experience.
In this article, we’ll dive into what OpenDNS is, how it works, and why it’s an essential tool for anyone looking to secure and optimize their network. Whether you’re a business owner, a network administrator, or simply someone who wants a safer internet experience, OpenDNS has something valuable to offer.
What is OpenDNS and What Does it Do
OpenDNS is a service that provides an alternative to the default Domain Name System (DNS) offered by your internet service provider (ISP). To understand what OpenDNS does, it’s helpful to first know what DNS is. DNS, or Domain Name System, acts like the internet’s phonebook. It translates human-readable domain names, such as www.google.com, into numerical IP addresses (e.g., 172.217.168.174) that computers use to locate and connect to websites. Essentially, DNS ensures that when you type a website into your browser, your device can find the right server.
OpenDNS takes this fundamental DNS functionality and enhances it with additional features to improve security, speed, and control over your internet experience.
Check out: Best and Free Public DNS Server of 2024!
Open DNSWhat are the Features of OpenDNS
Now, let us first discuss a few features of OpenDNS before moving ahead to the Absolute Reasons to Need OpenDNS. The OpenDNS directly works on the Domain Name URL & it converts it to the IP Address for better internet communication. Some of the more features of OpenDNS are the following.
- Public DNS Server: The OpenDNS comprises two Primary Public DNS that anyone can use. These two Primary DNS Servers are 208.67.222.222 and 208.67.220.220.
- DNS Resolution: In OpenDNS, the DNS Requests are directly sent to the OpenDNS's Server, not to the ISP Server. It resolves the Domain Name & Return IP Address.
- Good Security Features: In OpenDNS, you will find various security features like Phishing Protection, Malware Blocking, and Botnet Prevention.
- Improved Content Filtering: Using OpenDNS, you can perform the Content Filtering. You can filter which type of resources you want to show & which are not—websites like Gambling, Social Media, etc.
- Good Network Performance: The OpenDNS is known for its fast network speed. Also, there is better stability present than the Traditional ISP Service Providers.
Why OpenDNS Matters for Your Network
It is time to discuss the Absolute Reasons the why OpenDNS matters for your network. Here, we are going to discuss top nine reasons why you need OpenDNS. So, let us start with the Security Advantage of OpenDNS.
Reason 1: Enhanced Security of OpenDNS
If you are using OpenDNS, there is no need to think about some threats from external media. The OpenDNS will protect from every kind of External Threat like Phishing, Malware & Botent. And it will warn you before moving into any such web pages.
The OpenDNS can do such operations as a separate Database is present for all External Threats. This database is being updated from time to time. Thus, if there is any new threat present, the OpenDNS will let you know.
Reason 2: 24/7 Protection and Cloud Security
With the rising shift of businesses to the cloud, OpenDNS offers vital security for these cloud-based systems and resources. In contrast to traditional security devices restricted to on-site protection, OpenDNS provides continuous 24/7 security for companies' entire cloud presence through its cloud-based service.
Reason 3: Easy to Setup and Use
OpenDNS is designed to be easy to set up, making the entire security process simple and quick. Companies can easily implement OpenDNS's cloud-based solution on all devices and networks, enabling them to achieve high-level security.
This allows IT staff to focus on other important tasks instead of spending too much time on security configurations, as it takes only as long as watching a short video.
Reason 4: Good DNS Resolution
If you are searching for a High-Speed Internet Connection, then the OpenDNS will be most appropriate. The OpenDNS is known for its Faster Domain Name Resolution process. That is the reason many businessmen rely on OpenDNS.
If you compare the Speed of Networking in OpenDNS with the Internet Service Provider, you will find the hell & haven difference. The OpenDNS uses its server to provide a good internet speed to the users.
Reason 5: Savings on Expenses
OpenDNS offers substantial savings when compared to traditional security solutions. By utilizing OpenDNS, companies save money that would have been spent on obsolete on-premises technologies. The savings allow for allocating funds to other important projects such as modern virtual reality facilities.
Reason 6: Parental Control Feature
The OpenDNS can be the best tool for Parents who want to put a cap on the contents that appear by searching on Web Browser. You can easily use openDNS - Content Filtering Process to bypass some of the marked categories from the search Result.
There are predefined categories are present that can be chosen by the Parents. Also, you can involve your custom categories as well in the OpenDNS. OpenDNS can be useful for Schools, College, and Offices as well as for Parents.
Reason 7: Simple Configuration & Good Compatibility
The development of OpenDNS can be the most simple task. You can add the OpenDNS on any kind of system like Routers, Desktop, Smartphones, Tablets, etc. And the Configuration of OpenDNS is as simple as you can think.
If you add the OpenDNS to Desktop or Mobile devices, it will give protection only to those devices. However, if you add the OpenDNS to the Router, all the devices connected to the Router will be protected.
Reason 8: Importance to Privacy & Data Protection
Privacy & Data Protection is a big concern for individuals nowadays. But, the OpenDNS can be safer than any other application from that perspective. The OpenDNS respects the Data Protection & Privacy of the Users.
For some analytical processes, OpenDNS uses the User Data. But, these data are never sold to another website or company for profit. So, you can simply use OpenDNS if you need it.
Reason 9: Widespread User Base and Trust
With over 50 million active users and the ability to handle over 70 billion DNS requests per day, OpenDNS is a trusted and widely used solution. This broad usage implies reliability and effectiveness.
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