How CDNs and Alternative DNS Services Combine For Higher Latency

The_PHP_Jedi writes "Alternative DNS services, such as OpenDNS and Google Public DNS, are used to bypass the sluggishness often associated with local ISP DNS servers. However, as more websites, particularly smaller ones, use content distribution networks via embedded ads, widgets, and other assets, the effectiveness of non-ISP DNS servers may be undermined. Why? Because CDNs rely on the location of a user's DNS server to determine the closest server with the hosted content. Sajal Kayan published a series of test results which demonstrates the difference, and also provided the Python script used so you can test which is the most effective DNS service for your own Internet connection."

Comments

Re:Leave Canada Alone

[Sir_Lewk]

I don't give a shit if you use OpenDNS or not. If you like their censorship features then that is great, use what works for you.

What I do give a shit about is people recommending OpenDNS as a good alternative for ISP DNS servers in discussions about NXDOMAIN fuckery. They are about the absolute last alternative DNS provider you should choose if NXDOMAIN is important to you. Just about any of the dozens of other free DNS servers doesn't require you to do retarded shit like use DynamDNS just to get standards compliant DNS results, recommending OpenDNS is irresponsible at best.

Seriously, just because they have "Open" in their name, doesn't mean they are good.