DNS servers....

[Duggie8472]

Hi All,

Would anyone know of DNS servers I could use... the story is, TalkTalk do not allow VPN's on their Network... or they havent got a clue how to let one on... either way my work uses a VPN to connect to their Network from outside the office.

Is there any servers that I can use for Example BT's DNS servers as they allow VPN's on thier network, so I can manually configure my modem?

Also does it matter that I am located in belfast, as in - the server need to be closer to me for speed issues???

Any help you be great!!!

Thanks!!!

[bradmill]

Think you have mixed up your technologies, DNS servers aren't going to resolve your issue.

[mickevh]

What makes you think your DNS is preventing VPN? Could do with some more details.

If an ISP has blocked VPN's they are more likely to have done so at a more fundamental level by filtering the traffic rather than preventing the DNS name resolution (which is a doddle to evade.)

Of course, you could always talk to your companies IT dept.

[t72bogie]

I wasnt aware that talk talk blocked VPNs - have they confirmed that with you?

there is no business reason for them to block them...in fact, its poor business for them, as it means thousands of home workers wont use them as a broadband provider

it could be something else - id check with your IT dept ...after calling talk talk to ask if they let standard IPSec VPNs through

...this is a reason why lots of companies are moving to SSL concentrators for remote access ...far easier when theres no client, its built into the web browser on each machine

[Duggie8472]

Hi All,

Thanks for your replies and suggestions, I have spoke with TalkTalk's finest and they do not allow VPN's, I read on another fourm that if you change the DNS server setting within your modem this can by pass theyre block on VPN's?

I am open to any and all suggestions!

Thanks

[Chris Muriel]

If that's how TalkTalk implement VPN blocking, they're using a pretty crude method (and easy to circumvent).

Chris Muriel, Manchester

[t72bogie]

give it a try then if thats what youve read - just use the OpenDNS servers ...OpenDNS | Providing A Safer And Faster Internet ...change them in your router manually and see how you get on

[mickevh]

I'll probably get drummed out of the secret society of network managers for giving this away, but here goes:

DNS is used to convert nice cuddly-wuddly human friendly names such as www.avforums.com into IP addresses that machines like such as 195.177.192.202

Computers like number, and IP addresses are what machines really uses.

To avoid using DNS, simply use the IP address instead. Try it if you like - stick http://195.177.192.202 into you web browser and you should end up back here (at time of writing - IP addresses do change.)

So to "avoid" using DNS, do the name resolution manually and use the IP address where you would have used the name. Easiest way to do the name look up manually is to open up a CMD prompt, ping the name and see what IP address it resolves to.

Of course, if your ISP forbids VPN use and you go ahead and use one anyway, by whatever method, you could find yourself in a "breach of contract" situation.

[Singh400]

OpenDNS servers are the way to go

Did TalkTalk give a reason for blocking VPNs?

[drummerjohn]

DNS won't make any difference as they block the ports thinking they can be used by P2P clients...

Does anyone know how to get ports open on Tiscali Broadband ?