1.1.1.1

Introduction

1.1.1.1 is a public DNS resolver service offered by Cloudflare. DNS (Domain Name System) is a system that translates human-readable domain names into IP addresses that computers can understand. DNS resolver services like 1.1.1.1 help internet users access websites faster and more securely by resolving domain names into IP addresses quickly and reliably.

History

Cloudflare launched the 1.1.1.1 DNS resolver service on April 1, 2018. The company claimed that 1.1.1.1 was the fastest and most private DNS resolver service available to internet users. Cloudflare also promised not to sell user data or use it to target advertisements.

Features

1.1.1.1 offers several features that make it an attractive alternative to other DNS resolver services:

  • Privacy: 1.1.1.1 encrypts DNS queries, which makes it harder for third parties to intercept and read them. Cloudflare also claims that it does not log user data or sell it to advertisers.
  • Speed: Cloudflare says that 1.1.1.1 is the fastest DNS resolver service available because it uses Anycast routing and a global network of servers to resolve queries quickly.
  • Security: 1.1.1.1 blocks access to known malicious websites and can help protect users from phishing attacks and malware infections.

How to Use 1.1.1.1

Using 1.1.1.1 is easy and can be done on most devices:

  • Desktop: Go to your network settings and change your DNS server address to 1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1 (Cloudflare's secondary DNS server).
  • Mobile: Go to your Wi-Fi or cellular settings and change your DNS server address to 1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1.
  • Router: Change your router's DNS settings to 1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1 to apply the service to all devices on your network.

Controversies

1.1.1.1 has been criticized for several reasons:

  • Censorship: Some users have reported that 1.1.1.1 blocks access to certain websites or services that are not considered malicious. Cloudflare has denied these claims and says that it does not censor content.
  • Reliability: Some users have reported that 1.1.1.1 experiences downtime or slow response times. Cloudflare says that it is constantly working to improve the service's reliability and performance.

Conclusion

1.1.1.1 is a popular DNS resolver service that offers users speed, privacy, and security. While it has been criticized for some issues, Cloudflare continues to work on improving the service and addressing user concerns.