Setting up your router with DD-WRT firmware can open up a world of customization options, including the ability to use different DNS settings for your 5GHz and 2.4GHz networks. This feature can be particularly useful if you want to optimize your network performance or block specific content on one band while maintaining standard settings on the other. In this article, we'll walk through how to configure your DD-WRT settings to achieve this.
Understanding the Problem Scenario
You want to set up your DD-WRT router to use different DNS servers for the 5GHz and 2.4GHz wireless networks. This customization can help in managing bandwidth, accessing different regional content, or enhancing network security.
Original Code for the Problem
The original configuration process may look like this:
# Configuration commands that might be used, but not implemented in DD-WRT directly for separate DNS
nvram set wan_dns="8.8.8.8"
nvram set wan_dns2="8.8.4.4"
nvram commit
This code sets a single DNS for the WAN, but not for the distinct wireless bands.
Step-by-Step Guide to Configure DD-WRT
Here’s how to set different DNS servers for your 5GHz and 2.4GHz networks.
Step 1: Access Your DD-WRT Router Interface
- Open a web browser and enter your router's IP address (default is often
192.168.1.1). - Log in with your username and password. The default username is often
admin, and the password is alsoadminor may be left blank.
Step 2: Navigate to Basic Settings
- Go to the Wireless tab.
- Select Basic Settings.
- Here, you should see options for both the 2.4GHz and 5GHz wireless networks.
Step 3: Set Up DHCP Settings
- Under the DHCP settings for both bands, make sure DHCP is enabled for both the 2.4GHz and 5GHz networks.
- This setting allows devices connected to these networks to automatically get their DNS settings from the router.
Step 4: Configure Custom DNS
- Under the Setup tab, click on Basic Setup.
- Find the section labeled DHCP DNS 1 and DHCP DNS 2.
- You can enter the DNS servers you want for your main band (usually 2.4GHz).
Step 5: Use DNSMasq
To differentiate DNS settings between your 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands, you'll need to enable DNSMasq.
- Go to the Services tab.
- Enable DNSMasq.
- Enter the following configuration in the Additional DNSMasq Options box:
# Set DNS for 2.4GHz
dhcp-option=tag:2.4GHz,option:dns-server,8.8.8.8,8.8.4.4
# Set DNS for 5GHz
dhcp-option=tag:5GHz,option:dns-server,1.1.1.1,1.0.0.1
Step 6: Assign Tags to Your Networks
- Go back to the Wireless settings.
- For the 2.4GHz network, set the Network Configuration field to
br0and add the tag2.4GHz. - For the 5GHz network, set the Network Configuration field to
br0and add the tag5GHz.
Step 7: Save and Reboot
- Click Save and then Apply Settings.
- Reboot your router to ensure that the changes take effect.
Additional Tips
- Testing: After configuration, use
nslookupor similar tools to test DNS resolution on both networks. - Performance Monitoring: Monitor your network performance to gauge the impact of different DNS servers.
- Security Considerations: Some DNS services provide filtering and additional security features, which can be beneficial depending on your needs.
Conclusion
Using different DNS settings for your 5GHz and 2.4GHz networks can significantly enhance your overall internet experience. Whether you are optimizing for speed, security, or content access, DD-WRT provides the flexibility to make these changes easily.
For additional reading and resources, check out the DD-WRT Wiki and the DNS Basics for a deeper understanding of how DNS impacts your network.
By following these steps, you can harness the full potential of your DD-WRT router, tailoring your DNS settings for an optimized wireless experience. Happy networking!
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