Depending on where you live and where you access the internet, you get different content available when you go online. For example, most video streaming websites tailor their services according to the licensing restrictions in each region, while governments frequently censor which type of content is allowed to be distributed on servers in their country.
Much of this restriction depends on the way in which data is organized and transmitted over the web using something called DNS. But what exactly is DNS? And is there a better method for organizing data that gives you greater freedom on the internet? In this article, we compare three different systems that people frequently use on their devices, DNS vs Smart DNS vs VPN, in order to find out which is the best.
What is DNS, and Is It Secure?
DNS is one of the fundamental building blocks of the internet, yet most people are totally unaware that they use it every day.
DNS stands for Domains Name Systems, and you can think of them like the contact books on your mobile phone but for the internet. They are a hierarchical, decentralized naming system for computers, phones, or anything else that is able to connect to the internet.
Or, in other words, they match names with numbers.
When you access a website by using a domain name (like bitvpn.com), these names have to be translated by DNS into the IP addresses that computers actually use to locate and speak to one another. Once that translation occurs, your browser will be able to process the URL address and connect your computer to a particular website.
The DNS list isn’t stored in any one place. That would be impossible, with several millions of different domain names currently in use. Instead, DNS servers located all around the world keep the IP addresses so that individual computers don’t have to memorize them and maintain their own list.
DNS has been the primary mode of internet indexing for the past 30 years or so. But, unfortunately, because most people take it for granted and because security was not thought about when the system was built, they are very vulnerable to surveillance and hacking.
Common issues include reflection attacks, which overload victims with high-volume messages from DNS resolver servers, and cache poisoning, where users can easily be redirected to malicious websites.
What is Smart DNS, and Is It Better Than Normal DNS?
Smart DNS is a replacement for the now outdated DNS address service that your internet service provider (ISP) uses, instead connecting you to a different server. The benefit of this is that other servers can be more secure, and they can allow you to mask your location and make it appear to websites that you are accessing them from the location of the secondary server.
This is handy not just because it offers a boost in security, but because it allows you to access geo-restricted content because the website you are visiting is under the impression that you are in a location where it permits access.
It’s important to note, however, that Smart DNS is unable to alter your real IP address. It merely alters how a website sees your address.
If you decide to use a DNS, you should take the following things into consideration when making your choice of provider.
Privacy
Smart DNS providers have to be able to make money, and sometimes in order to do this they actually log your IP address and track your browsing data. Then they sell it to third parties who can spam you with telemarketing calls or dodgy emails. Always ensure you choose a Smart DNS that doesn’t log user data.
Speed
As soon as you start introducing additional servers into the equation, there’s a risk that your routing will take longer. This can slow down your connection. Always ensure that the DNS you choose has a high number of nearby servers in order to obtain the best speed.
Security
Most Smart DNS providers do not provide any inbuilt security systems, and their servers are just as vulnerable to data leaks as those of your ISP. As such, it’s important to be highly selective and only go with a DNS provider that prioritizes security.
Smart DNS vs VPN
A VPN is a virtual private network. In its simplest form, it is a private network that encrypts user data and transmits it through an end-to-end tunnel over the internet.
If the VPN operates on centralized servers, then all of your data will be routed through the secondary server that you choose. If the VPN is decentralized, then it uses P2P networking to provide the same service. Although Smart DNS and VPNs do share some functions, you should be aware of the following differences.
VPN is the Easiest Tool to Use
It calls for no professional knowledge and can be used by everyone.
Security
Smart DNSs avoid the complicated encryption protocols that VPNs use. This can (but doesn’t necessarily) make them faster, but it certainly makes them much less secure than a VPN.
Tracking
Both DNS and VPN can be used to access geo-restricted content. However, a DNS cannot hide your IP address, whereas a VPN can. This means that with a DNS you can still be tracked by your ISP.
Cost and Setup
DNS services can cost the same amount as VPN services, but they are typically much more difficult to set up for an inexperienced user.
Overall, VPNs are much better for security, anonymity, and speed. An industry-leading VPN, like BitVPN, is fast enough for streaming multiple HD movies at once, operates with military-grade encryption techniques that even governments cannot crack, and keeps absolutely no records of user data anywhere on its systems.
The Advantages of BitVPN
BitVPN is the world’s first fully decentralized VPN run on blockchain technology. What does that mean? It means that your data is never unencrypted outside of your system, it is never held in a centralized server, and it is impossible for anyone to track your activity.
Our decentralized VPN is constructed of millions of nodes so the network runs infinitely and lasts forever. And with its Digital Privacy Safeguard, you’ll even be completely protected when connecting to the internet through traditionally unsafe access points, such as public Wi-Fi. So, what’s left to think about? To download BitVPN or find out more about the service we offer, click here.
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