Eircom DSL - DNS Lookups Slow

flav0rflav

chickenrun wrote: »

Without reading the previous 31 pages ... how secure would opendns be in comparison ?

Which one has been down twice in the last week?

Just as an alternative, DNS Advantage, is a competitor with OpenDNS, 156.154.70.1, 156.154.71.1, with servers in London, like OpenDNS. A third is DNSResolvers.com, but their servers aren't as near.

You could also run your own DNS server. This was the first I bumped into (Windows), TreeWalk DNS.

chickenrun

I mean whats to stop the owners of opendns from ripping everyone off. Not sure who own them.

Yakuza

I had a wierd issue last night - two machines working out of the same router (I used Eircom's DNS as the main DNS server and OpenDNS as the backup).
My machine worked fine (browsing at normal speeds and was getting 6.4Mbs on it on speedtest.net but the wife's PC was browsing like a dog and getting <1.0Mbs on the speedtest). Perhaps mine switched to the secondary DNS sooner rather than the wife's one (mine Vista Home Premium 32bit SP2, hers is Vista Ultimate 64bit (only SP1, I just just got it from Dell and haven't put SP2 on it).

I'm giggling here with ironic lolz while reading this thread, with the "upgrade your life" ad. from Eircom on it!

chickenrun

to find out which dns is in use open a dos box and type nslookup and see which server responds. then type in the domain eg www.rte.ie and see who gives you the answer.

GavinJCD

DNS issues would not affect transfer speeds, once the lookup is complete and a connection is made DNS isn't involved anymore.

Yakuza wrote: »

I had a wierd issue last night - two machines working out of the same router (I used Eircom's DNS as the main DNS server and OpenDNS as the backup).
My machine worked fine (browsing at normal speeds and was getting 6.4Mbs on it on speedtest.net but the wife's PC was browsing like a dog and getting <1.0Mbs on the speedtest). Perhaps mine switched to the secondary DNS sooner rather than the wife's one (mine Vista Home Premium 32bit SP2, hers is Vista Ultimate 64bit (only SP1, I just just got it from Dell and haven't put SP2 on it).

I'm giggling here with ironic lolz while reading this thread, with the "upgrade your life" ad. from Eircom on it!

chickenrun

GavinJCD wrote: »

DNS issues would not affect transfer speeds, once the lookup is complete and a connection is made DNS isn't involved anymore.

assuming you are directed to the correct site directly and not a clone or via some sort of sniffer proxy site.

GavinJCD

Well if you think anything like that may be happening it's time to stop using suscpect DNS servers.

chickenrun wrote: »

assuming you are directed to the correct site directly and not a clone or via some sort of sniffer proxy site.

measurement

Well, at least it has reached the Aertel pages now, though they are saying 2 incidents. Maybe one was very continuous:eek:

chickenrun

GavinJCD wrote: »

Well if you think anything like that may be happening it's time to stop using suscpect DNS servers.

Back to my original question - are they suspect or are they guaranteed to be secure?

Sully

chickenrun wrote: »

Back to my original question - are they suspect or are they guaranteed to be secure?

You can search a thread you know.

OpenDNS would be a very much widely known open DNS Server with the aim of providing reliable and secure services. Iv never had a problem with them compared to a lot of ISPs which constantly have DNS failures.

In general; OpenDNS is a good, secure and reliable alternative to using your Internet Providers DNS Servers. You can switch without having to worry.

chickenrun

Sully wrote: »

You can search a thread you know.

OpenDNS would be a very much widely known open DNS Server with the aim of providing reliable and secure services. Iv never had a problem with them compared to a lot of ISPs which constantly have DNS failures.

In general; OpenDNS is a good, secure and reliable alternative to using your Internet Providers DNS Servers. You can switch without having to worry.

Cheers for that, using them now.

Fabritzo

Owen and Ross?? got a mention on the register...http://www.theregister.co.uk/2009/07/14/eirocm_downtime_again/

cian1500ww

chickenrun wrote: »

Cheers for that, using them now.

Don't ever change back unless they give you bother, I've been using them for almost a year now and they have never given one ounce of trouble.

Mmcd

thanatos wrote: »

I concur with blubloblu...everyone should use OpenDNS...all the time

I am not sure that people realise just serious this is.

If people are getting redirected to sites other than the ones they expected to see, then there exists the possibility that they could get redirected to a site that looks exactly like the one they expected, but is there only for the purpose of gathering users details...think aib.ie etc.

I was thinkin this as well. Being redirected to ads is about the least worst thing that could happen.

Onikage

chickenrun wrote: »

I mean whats to stop the owners of opendns from ripping everyone off. Not sure who own them.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_Ulevitch

irishpancake

aidanodr wrote: »

Kerbdog,

Read these:

http://www.labnol.org/software/browsers/prevent-opendns-google-redirects-firefox-address-bar-ie/2662/

http://www.mydigitallife.info/2008/09/30/useful-tips-to-prevent-opendns-from-redirecting-google-searches-in-firefox-and-internet-explorer/

Explanation for both Firefox and Internet Explorer. Its sort of related.

And then read this:

http://mrtopf.de/blog/web20/what-the-opendnsgoogle-problem-is-about/

What the OpenDNS/Google problem is about


Every system will have its fans and detractors, be it hardware, software, mp3 player, TV, car .. on and on .. DNS Servers are no different. No system is without its foibles. However, OpenDNS IS "Open Source / Free". My opinion for one is over the last 2 years has doen a good job. Its slick, it works. Speaking of foibles, lets face it - the Eircom DNS servers are not up to much these days.

One thing about the OPENDNS Servers to date, it is not vulnerable to the attacks Dan Kaminsky discovered.

Read about Dans discoveries here:

1st - http://software.silicon.com/security/0,39024655,39122803,00.htm

2nd - http://www.securosis.com/blog/dan-kaminsky-discovers-fundamental-issue-in-dns-massive-multivendor-patch-r

Cheers
Aidan

Hi Aidan

As I mentioned here last week, I agree with you that there is a serious flaw in eircom's network DNS servers, which was flagged more than a year ago by the afore-mentioned Dan Kaminsky (just Google it).

The fact that a simple switch by ppl to the OpenDns servers, or Level 3 or whatever, confirms in my mind that eircom have not patched their servers as an interim solution to the huge DNS problem outlined by Kaminsky and others.

Sending out spokespeople who try to obfuscate and confuse customers is reprehensible on the part of eircom.

While I agree that OpenDns use re-directs to raise revenue, based on typos in the address bar, and this is legitimate and up-front in their documentation, I don't think they can be described as "Open Source".

Definitely "Free" for their present services, but may charge for enhancements in future.

OpenDNS is not open source software, but instead refers to the DNS concept of being open, where queries from any source are accepted.

source

Anyway, keep up the good work Aidan

dowtchaboy

(apologies if this has been posted before in this 34 page thread.....) - perhaps this is the cause of the Eircom snafu?:)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QAUyaELfwBo

aidanodr

Hi Irish Pancake and others,

Sorry for the mention of open source re open dns, actually Im not even sure why I said that now that I think of it. Ill put it down to a fuzzy head I have had last night and this morning, minor bug. Maybe I got hacked too - I felt a DOS coming on

I suppose my salient point is that opendns - at the moment - IS free. I am always amazed by peoples retisense to embrace the word FREE when it comes to the net. Caution and disbelief seems standard. Yet that whole area of open source is with best intentions and real interest in general from the creators. But some net users question its viability at all times with "If its free their must be a catch so Id rather pay a fortune for something that is equally or more dodgy" in the guise that if I pay a fortune it must be good.

Take MS OFFICE Pro - €600 more or less for the pro version. Yet OPENOFFICE delivers 99% of what the average user needs with MS compatibility for the most part AND for free - www.openoffice.org - Here we are in a recession, yet firms and individuals will still rather pay 100's of euro per seat for MS Office than even just TRY Open Office and the like. Again that corporate thing perculates down - "No one ever got fired for buying HP, Microsoft, IBM ....".

Im one for trying out software, make the mistakes, take a chance, this is how you learn. And if its free like OPENDNS and the like OR Open Source - to try will not cost you a gold colour type cent!

Rant over
No doubt others will debate and disagree, great, that is free too ..

Aidan

dobsun

Dublin North also, broadband was down most of yesterday.

was on to 'tech support' with eircom and they were aware that there Name Servers where down and without any further ado they gave me Open DNS Primary/Secondary.

I must check the actual eircom ones tonight....

Copyright

everythings working fine on my main pc but it seems my wireless is kinda f**ked, It wont stay logged into PSN for very long at all ! :eek: ?

edit : , I Just thought i'd add that ive had this problem for over a week

bazzachazza

(Issued Tue, 14th July 2009) Last night eircom.net customers experienced significant congestion while browsing the web.
While it is too early to confirm, eircom believes that it is related to an unprecedented volume of traffic deliberately directed at our network, which has caused difficulties for customers over recent days.
Service has been restored to our customers since late last night. Our technical specialists have been and will continue to work around the clock to determine the source of the problem.
eircom has been in contact with other operators in the Irish market to collaborate and pool technical expertise in this area.
We will keep our customers advised with regular updates.

From Eircom

irishpancake

aidanodr wrote: »

Hi Irish Pancake and others,

Sorry for the mention of open source re open dns, actually Im not even sure why I said that now that I think of it. Ill put it down to a fuzzy head I have had last night and this morning, minor bug. Maybe I got hacked too - I felt a DOS coming on

I suppose my salient point is that opendns - at the moment - IS free. I am always amazed by peoples retisense to embrace the word FREE when it comes to the net. Caution and disbelief seems standard. Yet that whole area of open source is with best intentions and real interest in general from the creators. But some net users question its viability at all times with "If its free their must be a catch so Id rather pay a fortune for something that is equally or more dodgy" in the guise that if I pay a fortune it must be good.

Take MS OFFICE Pro - €600 more or less for the pro version. Yet OPENOFFICE delivers 99% of what the average user needs with MS compatibility for the most part AND for free - www.openoffice.org - Here we are in a recession, yet firms and individuals will still rather pay 100's of euro per seat for MS Office than even just TRY Open Office and the like. Again that corporate thing perculates down - "No one ever got fired for buying HP, Microsoft, IBM ....".

Im one for trying out software, make the mistakes, take a chance, this is how you learn. And if its free like OPENDNS and the like OR Open Source - to try will not cost you a gold colour type cent!

Rant over
No doubt others will debate and disagree, great, that is free too ..

Aidan

That's no problem at all Aidan, your posts have been very helpful, concise and precise.

I can remember when DOS meant something altogether different

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Isn't interesting that it is reported by dobsun that eircom's "Tech Support" ppl are now giving out the Opendns server address' to customers

They must be logged onto Board's for solutions to their impasse.

Don't be surprised to see one of your "guides for dummy's" being hi-jacked by eircom. I would stick a copyright notice on those if I were you,

paddy978

Them ads came up for me,am i or my computer ****ed?

lostexpectation

http://www.siliconrepublic.com/news/article/13409/comms/hackers-targeting-eircom

Telecom industry insiders have suggested that Eircom is particularly vulnerable to such an attack due to its highly contended network with minimal spam prevention and security against Denial of Service (DOS) attacks.

huh really

Copyright

Am I the only one having this problem.

when ever I sign into PSN or anything really using wireless, my internet goes for a few mins ,every time

dobsun

Hey Copyright,

I had trouble with my PS3 in the past where once we turned it on it would bring down the wireless network and the internet connection -this was very annoying, i was using an oldish linksys router. I swapped out recently for the eircom netopia router and all seems fine now.

As far as i know the PS relies heavily on DNS for the PSN (Corrections if im wrong plz) so if eircom are having intermitent dns probs this would explain it.

Have you swapped over to Open DNS yet?
dob

Copyright

dobsun wrote: »

Hey Copyright,

I had trouble with my PS3 in the past where once we turned it on it would bring down the wireless network and the internet connection -this was very annoying, i was using an oldish linksys router. I swapped out recently for the eircom netopia router and all seems fine now.

As far as i know the PS relies heavily on DNS for the PSN (Corrections if im wrong plz) so if eircom are having intermitent dns probs this would explain it.

Have you swapped over to Open DNS yet?
dob

yep I swithced over to open dns, ( I am on the netopia 2247 nwg ) No matter what I use wireless it seems to bring down my connection, mainly PSN, Maybe it could be the router

runswithascript

Once you have a constant DSL and green internet, flashing or otherwise, on your silver 2247 modem, or a DSL link light on your green/blue 3347 then you are most likely still affected by the recent congestion issues Eircom has had. If you don't have these lights you will need to contact tech support because although you may be affected by what went on you also have an underlying issue.

Regardless of your OS you will need to reset the modem (bear in mind this will undo any custom wireless network names/password you have configured and also any changes you made to make your PS3/XBOX etc work). This is done by holding a pin or paperclip in the reset button on the back of your modem while it's powered on until the power light starts to alternate between red and green, all the lights may also blink. May take 10 or 15 seconds.

If you are unable to complete a hard reset you can also do it through the router configuration. Open your web browser and replace all the text in the address bar with 192.168.1.254 and hit enter. Top left if you have a menu with blue text displaying the options start and help click on help if you don't just click on expert mode >> confirm you want to expert mode and then from the changed blue menu hit reset modem/router, confirm it and then follow the on screen instructions to restart the modem.

Then...

Windows XP

Start menu >> run >> type in cmd and press enter

A black window will appear into which you will type ipconfig /flush dns and press enter

Then reboot your computer and when it's starts to turn on again turn the power on and off using the switch on the back of your modem.

Windows Vista

Start menu >> all programs >> accessories >> right click on Command Prompt and when the drop down menu appears left click on run as administrator >> hit continue

A black window will appear into which you will type ipconfig /flush dns and press enter

Then reboot your computer and when it's starts to turn on again turn the power on and off using the switch on the back of your modem.

Mac OS pre Leopard

Apples menu >> system preferences >> under the system sub heading click on rebuild desktop

Then reboot your computer and when it's starts to turn on again turn the power off and on using the switch on the back of your modem.

Mac OS Leopard

Applications >> utilities >> terminal

In here you will need to type

dscacheutil -flushcache

(In Mac OSX versions 10.5.1 and before, the command lookupd -flushcache performed the same task)

Then reboot your computer and when it's starts to turn on again turn the power on and off using the switch on the back of your modem.

Linux

Bring up a terminal window, exactly how to differs according to distribution, and type in /etc/init.d/nscd restart

A reboot may not be required but just do it anyway for good measure.

Hope this helps some of you and you won't have to wait in Eircom's ever expanding tech support queue to be told the same thing.

runswithascript

Why was my thread amended as a post to the end of another thread?

I realise they're about the same issue but mine is a fix and now someone looking quickly for it will have to read through 500 other posts and if they're still awake they may find the solution.

Sully

LA3G wrote: »

Why was my thread amended as a post to the end of another thread?

I realise they're about the same issue but mine is a fix and now someone looking quickly for it will have to read through 500 other posts and if they're still awake they may find the solution.

Why exactly, are you proposing a factory reset of a router?