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🔐 OpenDNS Setup Guide (for Network-Wide Filtering)

A. Initial Setup (Dashboard)

  1. Sign Up: Create a free OpenDNS Home account.

  2. Add Network: Log into the dashboard and go to the Settings tab.

  3. Click "Add a network." OpenDNS will detect your current public IP address (e.g., 94.71.227.253).

  4. Name It: Give your network a label (e.g., Office).

  5. Dynamic IP Check: Crucially, check the box that says "Yes, it is dynamic." (This is essential as most home IPs change).

  6. Set Filtering: Go to the Web Content Filtering section and choose your desired level (e.g., High, Moderate, or Custom).

B. Router Configuration

This step forces all devices on your Wi-Fi to use the OpenDNS filters.

  1. Access Router: Log into your router's administration page (usually by typing `192.168.1.1` or `192.168.0.1` in a browser).

  2. Find DNS Settings: Look under WAN, Internet, Setup, or DHCP Settings.

  3. Enter OpenDNS Servers: Change the DNS settings from "Automatic" to manual and enter these addresses:

    • Primary DNS: `208.67.222.222`

    • Secondary DNS: `208.67.220.220`

  4. Save & Reboot: Save your settings and then reboot the router.

C. Permanent IP Tracking (Dynamic IP Fix)

If you have a dynamic IP (which you likely do), you need a program to keep your dashboard updated, or your filters will fail when your IP changes.

  1. Download Updater: Download and install the OpenDNS Dynamic IP Updater client (available for Windows and Mac from the Cisco support site).

  2. Linux (ddclient): On Linux, install and configure the built-in `ddclient` package instead.

    • Install: `sudo apt install ddclient`
    • Protocol: Use `dyndns2`
    • Server: Use `updates.opendns.com`
    • IP Discovery Method Web based IP Discovery service
    • Login: Your OpenDNS email address
    • Hosts to update Office

  3. Run Service: Ensure the Updater program/service is running in the background:

sudo systemctl start ddclient.service
sudo systemctl enable ddclient.service
sudo systemctl status ddclient.service

D. Final Verification

  1. Reboot

  2. Test: Open a browser and visit http://welcome.opendns.com/.

  3. Success: You should see a green checkmark confirming that your network is now using OpenDNS. The filters are active!