Can openDNS be used with Xfinity Comcast Router?
I've learned how to open router but I don't see anywhere where I can change the DNS settings? Is this possible?
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As rotblitz said, if you're not able to enter the OpenDNS resolvers (208.67.222.222 & 208.67.220.220) in the static DNS server addresses, then you may not be able to configure OpenDNS. However, you can configure your computer instead (see <https://store.opendns.com/setup/computer/>). You will get the same benefits, and if you have a small number of computers on your network, it's relatively easy. In some cases, users have found success in configuring both their router and computers.
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"I've configured my computer per Mr. Frost's post, but it still doesn't work with this new Xfinity VOIP router."
If you configued the OpenDNS resolver addresses on the computer, then your router is out of scope.
Post the complete plain text output of the following diagnostic commands here:
nslookup -type=txt which.opendns.com. 208.67.220.220
nslookup -type=txt debug.opendns.com.
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Not so techie here. If I have an Xfinity router with the attached LAN setting, is configuring OpenDNS merely a matter of changing the DNS primary and secondary on the Local IP menu, by selecting "Assign DNS Manually" and entering the OpenDNS settings? It appears that the DNS can not be changed on the WAN page of router settings.
comcast wan status.jpg
comcast local ip.jpg -
It could be that way. You still need to check throughout the rest of the router settings for anything else that pertains to DNS.
This is just one of several reasons why I stress that the modem/"router" that is provided by an ISP should not be used as anyone's primary router. They should always get a router of their own, that they can fully configure and control. Far too many of the "routers" provided by ISP's do not allow you to configure them as needed, and in some cases actually ignore some of the settings you choose. In addition, since they are generally a leased device, if they need to replace the device or if you change ISP's you'll lose your router and and all of configurations you've made to it. Far better to get a router that you own and control, and can configure however you want it configured.
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You may be able to configure it by adding 208.67.220.220 and 208.67.222.222 in the DNS 1 and DNS 2 fields; however, Xfinity routers are notorious for having DNS settings made inactive by Comcast. Note that even adding the IP will still have Comcast DNS active on IPv6 and you'd need to disable this on the router or local computer (https://support.opendns.com/entries/54333874-How-to-Disable-IPv6).
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@Alexander Harrison just saved me from pulling out all my hair.Thanks! xFinity router (an Arris) was not adhering to DNS settings on Windows 8 computer, no matter what. Disabling IPv6 allowed it to work. Hoping that doesn't disrupt other activities on the computer, but been trying to get OpenDNS to work again on my child's computer ever since the new router showed up. Glad it's finally working!
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Just so I understand the solution... when ELCUERVO (and others in other similar threads) says place a router AHEAD of the xfinity and configure the DNS servers on that... what exactly does that mean. Cause I have an Airport Extreme connected to my cable modem (for wifi, cable modem wifi is off) - but configuring opendns on that doesn't work since I swapped out the old comcast modem with the new.
Or does it mean:
wall-->Xfinity Cable Modem-->some new router-->Airport Extreme
and then set the DNS settings on "some new router" to point to OpenDNS?
Would love to get a clean clear answer on this from someone please! I really want to set it for the entire network not individual laptops and iphones in the house!
Thanks.
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Your picture contains an unnecessary device (some new router). The right picture would be:
End user ---> Inner Router ---> Outer Router / Modem ---> ISP/Internet
You configure OpenDNS on the inner router.
"configuring opendns on that doesn't work since I swapped out the old comcast modem with the new."
This is a different problem. It normally should work. https://support.opendns.com/entries/42422810
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Thanks. So... the inner router would be my Airport Extreme? That already has DNS settings pointing to OpenDNS. Never changed them after I got and instlled my ne w"outer router/modem" (i.e the Xfinity cable modem/router). It seems to ignore those settings on the AE (which can only work in bridge mode) and honors the un-customizable comast DNS settings on the new cable modem. :-(
Sorry - I am not sure what you mean by its a different problem>? The link you gave leads to setting up my Airport Extreme in a DHCP (not bridge) mode. But since I got my new Xfinity cable modem/router, the AE can ONLY work in the bridge mode as I understand it.
Would really appreciate some more clarification rotblitz! Thanks.
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Well, I don't have any of your devices or related manuals, so it's not easy to be more specific.
Yes, the inner router would be your Airport Extreme, and no, this should need to work in NAT mode, not in bridged mode and should play the DHCP (and DNS) server role in your network. Not sure if you're right with "the AE can ONLY work in the bridge mode". Look into your manual again.
Whatever, to see how it is currently set up, you may post the complete plain text output of the following diagnostic command here:
nslookup -type=txt debug.opendns.com.
And if you have a Windows computer connected:
ipconfig /all
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MacDesktop:~ jay$ nslookup -type=txt debug.opendns.com
Server: 208.67.222.222
Address: 208.67.222.222#53
Non-authoritative answer:
debug.opendns.com text = "server 1.nyc"
debug.opendns.com text = "flags 20 0 70 5950800000000000000"
debug.opendns.com text = "originid 0"
debug.opendns.com text = "actype 0"
debug.opendns.com text = "source 73.142.198.119:54976"
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That looks already pretty fine. You're using OpenDNS for your DNS look-ups, their NYC data center. The problem is that your IP address 73.142.198.119 is not registered with your OpenDNS network. Visit https://dashboard.opendns.com/settings/ to update your network manually, and run an Updater further on to do it automatically. This is also the reason why your individual dashboard settings do not take effect.
Don't forget to flush both, your local resolver cache and your browser cache, to make your settings change effective immediately.
After all, your problem is not related to your new Comcast device or your AE, but solely with the fact that you didn't register your (correct) IP address, so OpenDNS is unable to associate your DNS look-ups with your settings.
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"it didn't appear to have an affect to avoid internet outages from comcast"
No, a DNS service does not affect your internet connection unless your ISP's DNS service is lousy. Not sure why you think it does. Also a new modem is not the right approach unless the modem is defective. The way to go is another internet connection maybe from another ISP.
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A recent massive Comcast 'outage' was caused by the failure of a piece of Internet infrastructure that's absolutely necessary, but you can change out on your own.
By Glenn Fleishman Senior Contributor, Macworld | Jun 4, 2015
Obviously you don't understand how lousy Comcast's service really is.
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Yes, as I said. "a DNS service does not affect your internet connection unless your ISP's DNS service is lousy". Only their DNS service (a piece of the internet infrastructure) had an outage, and therefore using another DNS service is the solution, but only in this scenario. It is not a general solution for ISP problems.
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