CenturyLink DNS vs. Google DNS
DNS servers are able to translate a friendly domain name that you input into a browser into a public IP address. This helps you device better communicate with others. When you join a service provider like CenturyLink the ISP will allocate you DNS servers. However, you are not limited to the DNS allocated to you by the ISP and can choose public ones like the Google DNS.
Table of Contents
What are the differences between CenturyLink DNS and Google DNS?
Company |
Google DNS |
CenturyLink DNS |
Browsing experience |
Faster browsing experience as the company has servers across the world. This helps create less latency. The Company has more in-cache and this makes it faster to answer |
Can be slow though you may not notice the difference as it is in milliseconds |
Data tracking |
Less cases of data tracking |
Possibility of data tracking as the IP logs still remain with the ISP |
Ease of use |
DNS is easier to remember |
You may need to write down the numbers as they are not easy to remember |
Privacy |
One of the key reasons for having a private DNS is so that no one has access to your logging activity. This helps circumvent the blocking of certain sites. Google DNS deletes your IP queries after every 24-48 hours and this eliminates cases of data theft |
The ISP still has access to your logs which may not be suitable for people who want to hide their web activity. ISP keep IP logs for a long time and this can expose you to data theft |
CenturyLink DNS and Google DNS – How do they Compare?
- Speed: When compared to CenturyLink DNS, Google DNS promises its users faster browsing experience with improved security and accurate results. The reason for the faster browsing is that Google has data centers that are spread across the world. When using their DNS you are redirected to the server near you.
- Security: Google DNS offers you better security protection than CenturyLink DNS as you they are able to detect cyber threats immediately and subsequently block your browsing to unsafe websites.
- Privacy: Google DNS ensures you enjoy greater privacy than CenturyLink DNS. Third party DNS prevent logging of web activity and this ensures you get more privacy as you browse. This helps you circumvent the blocking of certain sites you are viewing.
CenturyLink DNS and Google DNS – A Comparison Overview
CenturyLink DNS Overview
CenturyLink DNS according to their CL terms and conditions clearly state that they do block access to various malicious and phishing sites in an effort to protect their customers. The company has also specified that it does not monitor or scan the customers content. CenturyLink DNS is fast but for some users they may prefer the use of public DNS due to the multiple servers available to them worldwide. The company has deployed various techniques to prevent you from being spammed. To their high speed internet customers the coCenturyLinkmpany will automatically detect and mitigate DoS(Denial of Service) attacks. It will also block various phishing and malicious sites. occasionally monitors its networks for any data breaches and areas congestion. It does this to ensure the customer gets the best user experience. The company also has an excessive use policy that puts a data limit of 1TB for monthly data. This is to protect over use of data that leads to congestion.
Pros
- Protects your privacy
- Protects you from being spammed
- Available to CenturyLink consumers
Cons
May not be as fast as public DNS
Google DNS Overview
The Google DNS is a public domain name that is given by the company to users across the world. The DNS was started on 3rd December 2009 and functions as a recursive name server. As of 2018 the DNS had grown to become the biggest public DNS worldwide serving billions of queries. The Google DNS operates four IP addresses that are mapped out at the nearest operational server via anycast routing:
DNS blocking |
No |
DoH addresses |
https://dns.google/dns-query (RFC 8484)
https://dns.google/resolve ? (JSON API) |
DoT address |
Dns.google |
IPv4 addresses |
8.8.8.8
8.8.4.4 |
IPv6 addresses |
2001:4860:4860::8888
2001:4860:4860::8844 |
Google DNS does not use conventional name servers like other DNS but instead has a custom designed implementation. This custom design conforms to the standards that are set forth by IEFT. The DNS has supported DNSSEC since 19th March 2013.
Google DNS does a good job of offering its clients the right privacy by ensuring that all IP address are deleted after 24-48 hours. These contrasts sharply with ISP that tend to store the data permanently in their data servers. On the downside there are some countries that have banned the use of the DNS as they see it as a means of circumventing access to certain sites. This had being the case with Turkey when they had an issue with Google DNS over Twitter. The DNS helped circumvent the blocking of Twitter which had been banned in the country. However, the company continues to make inroads across the world.
Pros
- Faster browsing experience
- Widely available
- Have servers all over the world
Cons
Some countries have banned its use
Verdict: So, which is better, CenturyLink DNS or Google DNS
Google DNS is our winner as it offers you faster browsing experience. This is because it has multiple servers from across the world. When you attempt to access a web page with the DNS it will take you to the nearest server near you and this ensures you faster and better browsing experience. The DNS is also more secure and offers you better privacy.
FAQ
Which are the best DNS for use?
You can try out these: OpenDNS, Google DNS, Quad9, CleanBrowsing, Cloudflare, AdGuard DNS, or Alternate DNS
What are the benefits of using a pubic DNS as opposed to a private one?
Private DNS promise their users faster browsing experiences as they have servers in multiple locations across the world. The DNS is also more secure and private. When you key in stuff into your browser you also note that the public DNS displays accurate results without redirects.
