5

I have a strange issue with my internet connection, where people coming over to my house are sometimes unable to connect to the internet. On my own computers I have also experienced the issue, but I have found that changing the default DNS server on a device will allow it to work (such as to google's 8.8.8.8, 8.8.4.4). My wireless will alternate between working normally and requiring a different DNS server, often for days, possibly weeks at a time. I have investigated changing this on my router/modem, but there is no interface to change this in the router/modem settings.

With my desktops, laptops, TVs and DVD players, this all works fine, as they all have an option to change the DNS server used. However with my Windows 7 Phone there seems to be no option to set the DNS server in Settings -> Wi-Fi. This is quite troublesome for me, as I can only use the phone with wireless (no phone plan). My question is as follows:

Is there any application, or existing interface to allow me to change the default DNS Server on my phone?

As a side question, I'm also curious: Why didn't/wouldn't Microsoft choose to include this functionality, which appears to be on every other recent wireless device?

EDIT:

My router doesn't seem to have any options to configure DHCP for a specific DNS server, and the only option to configure the DNS server is by using a static IP. I tried using the current IP and other settings for a static IP, but I lost my connection after a day or so.

Improve this question
5
  • 1
    Consider contacting your IPS to let them know their DNS is unresponsive at times.
    – Tamara Wijsman
    Apr 25 '12 at 14:40
  • What make and model of router?
    – Wayne In Yak
    Jun 15 '12 at 16:09
  • @WayneInML It's a Rosewill RNX-N4PS (the user manual: rosewill.com/Mgnt/Uploads2/AttachmentForProduct/… ).
    – Casey Kuball
    Jun 15 '12 at 19:46
  • Hmm, I would ditch the router unless there is a reason to stick with it. Can't assign a DNS and doesn't look like dd-wrt or openwrt will work with it. Just my opinion, YMMV. I have a dual-band Linksys N router, using OpenDNS with it, works great great.
    – Wayne In Yak
    Jun 15 '12 at 20:09
  • @WayneInML Yeah, I've been considering doing that. I just wish that my phone not working because of my ISP's DNS sucking didn't mean I need a new router.
    – Casey Kuball
    Jun 15 '12 at 20:13
3

You can provide the DNS servers through DHCP.

Microsoft aims on simplicity, and it's fairly safe to assume that either DHCP or a statically leased IP is available in every occasion. If an administrator doesn't turn on DHCP, he most doesn't want phones on his network unless he explicitly configures them as static leases...

Improve this answer
6
  • 1
    I'll need to do some research on this, thanks!
    – Casey Kuball
    Apr 25 '12 at 15:32
  • 1
    @Darthfett My guess is that your wireless station should have it as an option in configuration.
    – tkott
    Apr 25 '12 at 18:29
  • 1
    Most routers should have a configurable DNS servers.
    – Juliana Peña
    Apr 26 '12 at 5:00
  • I've gone through my router's user manual with no luck. See my edit -- only static IP enables a custom DNS, and I don't have a static IP.
    – Casey Kuball
    Apr 30 '12 at 13:02
  • @Darthfett: Indeed, seems you can't set it for the LAN side... :(
    – Tamara Wijsman
    Apr 30 '12 at 13:09

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service, privacy policy and cookie policy

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.