Smart DNS proxy server

The term smart DNS proxy server is used by companies to describe a DNS server that directs clients to a proxy server for an unknown list of websites and services. Access to the proxy server and/or DNS server is usually for a fee with various companies advertised 'smart DNS' services for websites and services that usually regionally restricted the digital media content available to be streamed or downloaded. Any user who is not currently located within a specific area which has been approved for viewing content available on these geo-restricted websites will be automatically blocked from using the site freely and prevented from streaming/downloading the content available to permitted users.

A smart DNS proxy server can help users bypass regional restrictions online to unblock blocked content by acting as an intermediary system between website and Internet capable device. A premium smart DNS proxy service is typically a paid online subscription service which is paid for by the Internet user wishing to unblock content from certain websites. A smart DNS proxy server operates by hijacking data including the data normally used to verify a user's location when trying to access blocked content online.

Operation

A smart DNS DNS_hijacking#Rogue_DNS_server enables a computer and most other Internet-capable devices to access region-restricted or blocked content from anywhere in the world. A connection between an Internet-capable device and the website which contains the blocked content is established via a proxy server located within the approved areas for viewing the region-restricted content. However, unlike a virtual private network (VPN) proxy, a smart DNS proxy does not provide any of the protection established by encrypted communications and changing the entire IP address of a device, but alters a device's DNS and intercepts data needed for a device to log in and gain access, so a user can stream or download content which is normally blocked for viewing by people within that region. In the same way, a smart DNS proxy could also translate domain names of personal websites (search engines, banks, brokers, etc.) into IP addresses of sites with unintended content, even malicious websites.

Data interception and re-routing

A smart DNS proxy server allows users access to region-restricted content by intercepting and re-routing data or information being exchanged by proxy servers located within the region which has been approved for viewing. A smart DNS proxy does not encrypt data, technically this it could mean faster connection between website and computer. A Smart DNS can not be used for traffic encryption or security purposes. Due to the lack of end to end encryption, data packets can be seen by the ISP or on any intermediate network. For additional security and encryption virtual private network (VPN) services should be used.

Setup

A smart DNS proxy does not require a user to install any third-party applications or software on a device. A user can immediately access region-restricted or blocked content once the user has changed the DNS of a device to connect with a smart DNS server located within a specific region. A smart DNS proxy can be installed and set up across an entire network of devices such as desktop computers, laptops, mobile smart phone devices, smart televisions, and Internet-capable gaming consoles, and is compatible with all mobile operating services including Android, Apple's iOS, Blackberry and Windows Phone.

Use

A smart DNS proxy server is primarily used to unblock blocked content from websites which contain region-restricted content (e.g. netflix.com). A smart DNS proxy server differs from an ordinary proxy server because it does not need to change a user's IP address in order for that user to stream, download or access region-blocked content. Only the relevant information needed for a user to view the digital media content is sent via the smart DNS proxy server network. The only information which needs to be transferred is that which relates to a user's geographical location. This data gets re-routed via an actual computer server set up by the smart DNS proxy server service provider which is located within the region which is permitted for viewing the region-blocked content.

Dangers of Use

The dangers of using an unknown IP as a Smart DNS are similar to any other rogue DNS server preforming DNS hijacking in that the user is not aware which parts of his traffic are redirect and intercepted. Good guidelines of using a Smart DNS Proxy are:

• A clearly visible and written privacy policy.
• A company that operates in a reputable jurisdiction.
• Great support.
• A stable infrastructure. In other words, once you use the DNS codes of your provider, your Internet should not become slow or unstable.
• Clearly stated contact information for the DNS provider.