It’s essential to ensure the safety and security of your network, especially when it comes to protecting yourself and your family from accessing unsafe and inappropriate websites. While some routers offer content filtering features, there are additional measures you can take for enhanced protection. One effective method is changing the DNS server settings. In this article, we will explore how to use DNS, specifically settings from Norton ConnectSafe, to safeguard your network from accessing undesirable content.
Understanding DNS and Its Role
Before we delve into the process of utilizing DNS to enhance your network’s security, let’s briefly understand what DNS is. DNS stands for Domain Name System, and it acts as the address book of the internet, translating human-readable website names into IP addresses that computers can understand. By changing your DNS server settings, you can control which websites are accessible on your network.
Utilizing Norton ConnectSafe DNS Settings
Norton ConnectSafe offers DNS server addresses that automatically block certain types of content. Check out the following options below:
- Security (malware, phishing sites and scam sites):
- DNS 1 = 198.153.192.40, DNS 2 = 198.153.194.40
- Security + Pornography:
- DNS 1 = 198.153.192.50, DNS 2 = 198.153.194.50
- Security + Pornography + Non-Family Friendly:
- DNS 1 = 198.153.192.60, DNS 2 = 198.153.194.60
By applying these settings to your router, you can fortify your network against potential threats. Let’s explore the process of manually applying DNS server addresses on different router models.
Cradlepoint
- Access your router’s settings and navigate to the networking section.
- Locate the DNS servers settings and set the DNS mode to static.
- Enter the desired Norton ConnectSafe DNS server addresses.
- Remember to save the settings after making the changes.
Digi
- Access the configuration settings and navigate to network interfaces.
- Select the LAN interface (e.g., Eth1).
- Choose IP version 4 (IPv4), then DHCP server, and advanced settings.
- Specify the primary and secondary DNS server addresses provided by Norton ConnectSafe.
- Apply the settings and save the changes.
Inseego
- Access the router’s settings section.
- Click on “Advanced” and locate the manual DNS option.
- Enable the manual DNS feature and enter the Norton ConnectSafe DNS addresses.
- Save the changes to apply the settings.
Peplink
- Access the web administration dashboard page.
- Select the WAN connection and locate the DNS server settings.
- Disable the option to use default addresses and enable the manual entry.
- Enter the Norton ConnectSafe DNS server addresses.
- Save and apply the changes.
Sierra Wireless
- Access the administration dashboard and navigate to the networking section.
- Look for DNS settings under the “General” category.
- Choose the appropriate WAN connection and set the source to manual.
- Enter the primary and secondary DNS server addresses provided by Norton ConnectSafe.
- Save the changes to apply the settings.
For a closer look at how to set up the DNS settings on the routers listed above, check out our video below.