Netopia / Eircom -- Domain Name Service (DNS)

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Domain Name Service (DNS)

IEIR_012

When opening up a web browser and going to a website such as www.netopia.com, a process takes place in the gateway or in your computer that translates that domain name into a number called an IP Address. That is called Domain Name Resolution, and is a very crucial component of internet communication. This process is handled by servers at various locations called DNS servers. Without these servers doing this function, you could still get to a website, but only by using the correct IP Address of the site, not its more familiar Domain Name.
This technote will guide you through the setup process for DNS in your Netopia.

Firmware Reference

v7.2 and later -- Netopia 3300 Series

Before You Start

Browse into the Netopia's web interface at http://192.168.1.254 (if using the default IP setting). If your network has a different IP addressing scheme, modify this accordingly.
Once logged in, click on the Expert Mode link in the left-hand side menu (if that link is visible). In the Expert Mode Confirmation screen click on Ok to continue. This menu bar will be visible at the top of your screen if you are in Expert Mode.

Remember to click the button to save any entries. Hitting the back button without clicking will undo any changes.
Once you have completed your configuration, click on the symbol in your upper right hand corner to validate the changes. Then click on Save and Restart.

The Netopia Web GUI Home Page in Expert Mode (Firmware v7.2 and later)

Configuring the DNS Addresses

If the router has been preconfigured by your ISP, you should see the DNS information on this home screen at the bottom of the LAN section.
Please Note: It would be advisable to make a note of this information for future reference.
Also, if you are getting your DNS numbers dynamically from the ISP, you will see those values under the LAN heading on the home screen of the Netopia.
If the DNS-1 and DNS-2 IP Addresses are here, nothing further needs to be done. However, if the DNS numbers are not configured here, and you are having difficulty surfing to websites, then continue with these instructions.
From the home screen, click on Configure in the upper menu bar.
Click on Advanced at the bottom of the next screen.
Under Services, click on DNS.

Enter the Domain Name provided by the ISP, if any.
Enter the Primary and Secondary DNS Server Addresses in the fields provided. These IP Addresses would have been supplied by your ISP. If you have a dynamic IP Address from the ISP, then these fields may be left at 0.0.0.0.

Click on the Submit buttton.

The symbol will appear in the upper right hand corner after you click on Submit.
Click on it to Validate any changes you have made.
Click on Save and Restart in the Save Database box to Apply changes and restart Gateway

Conclusion

This should complete the configuration of your DNS information. If you have a problem getting to a website, such as getting a warning that "The page cannot be displayed" when trying to open the page, confirm with your ISP that the DNS information you have configured is current and accurate.