The situation where a local ISP instructs customers to change their DNS settings from the ISP’s DNS servers to Google Public DNS (e.g., 8.8.8.8) does not directly involve a DNS registrar like GoDaddy. Here’s why and what it means:
Key Concepts
- DNS Resolver vs. DNS Registrar:
- DNS Resolver (like 8.8.8.8):
- A server that translates human-readable domain names (e.g.,
example.com) into IP addresses. - Managed by ISPs, public services (like Google Public DNS), or enterprises.
- A server that translates human-readable domain names (e.g.,
- DNS Registrar (like GoDaddy):
- A company that registers domain names and manages DNS records for those domains (e.g., A records, MX records).
- Not related to the act of resolving DNS queries for everyday internet use.
- DNS Resolver (like 8.8.8.8):
- Customer DNS Configuration:
- The ISP is directing customers to change their DNS resolver, not the DNS host for a domain they own.
- Customers typically configure this in their router or device settings, replacing the ISP’s DNS with Google Public DNS (8.8.8.8).
What is Happening?
- Decommissioning DNS Servers:
- The ISP has decided to stop hosting its own DNS resolver services, perhaps due to cost, maintenance challenges, or operational streamlining.
- Instead, the ISP recommends Google Public DNS (8.8.8.8) as a reliable and free alternative for DNS resolution.
- Customer Action:
- End-users are instructed to update their network settings to use Google Public DNS instead of the ISP’s DNS.
- This change impacts how their devices resolve domain names but does not affect the hosting of DNS records or domain ownership.
Why Is GoDaddy Not Involved?
- GoDaddy’s Role:
- GoDaddy, as a registrar, manages domain registration and DNS hosting for websites.
- Unless the customer owns a domain and has hosted its DNS records with GoDaddy, there’s no connection between changing the DNS resolver to 8.8.8.8 and GoDaddy.
Implications of the ISP’s Move
- For the ISP:
- Operational Simplification: No longer maintaining DNS servers reduces costs and operational complexity.
- Loss of Control: The ISP loses visibility and influence over customer DNS queries, which could impact security services, analytics, and value-added offerings.
- For Customers:
- Potential Benefits: Improved DNS reliability and performance if the ISP’s DNS was slow or unreliable.
- Potential Risks:
- Reduced local optimizations for latency-sensitive services.
- Loss of ISP-provided security features like content filtering or malware blocking.
In Summary
If an ISP tells customers to use Google Public DNS (8.8.8.8), customers are simply changing the resolver used to look up domain names. This has no connection to a DNS registrar like GoDaddy unless the customer owns a domain and is managing its DNS records. The ISP’s decision reflects a shift in responsibility for DNS resolution to external services, potentially simplifying its operations but at the cost of reduced control and customer service differentiation.
Ask me more about DNS: Adam.Myers@TeleSourceInc.com