What Is the 0.0 0.0 DNS Server?

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Heather Bennett

The 0.0.0 DNS server is a special IP address that is used to block access to specific websites or domains on a computer or network. It acts as a “blackhole” for internet traffic, preventing any connection to the blocked sites.

What Does the 0.0 DNS Server Do?

The 0.0 DNS server is typically used in conjunction with a domain name system (DNS) resolver to redirect requests for specific domains to the blackhole address, effectively blocking access to those sites.

When a device tries to access a website, it sends a DNS request to resolve the domain name into an IP address. Normally, this request would be sent to a DNS server that returns the correct IP address for the site, allowing the device to establish a connection.

However, when the 0.0 DNS server is configured on the device or network, any requests for blocked domains are redirected to this address instead of being resolved by a legitimate DNS server.

Blocking Websites with 0.0

To block websites using the 0.0 DNS server, you need to modify your computer’s hosts file or configure your network’s router settings.

The hosts file is located on your computer and maps domain names to IP addresses before sending them out for resolution by external DNS servers.

To block a website using the hosts file:

  • Step 1: Open the hosts file on your computer using a text editor with administrative privileges.
  • Step 2: Add an entry at the end of the file in this format: 0.0 blockedwebsite.com
  • Step 3: Save the file and restart your computer for the changes to take effect.

By mapping the blocked website’s domain name to the 0.0 IP address in your hosts file, you effectively redirect any requests for that site to the blackhole server, preventing access.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Using 0.0 DNS Server

The use of a 0.0 DNS server has both advantages and disadvantages:

Advantages:

  • Simplicity: Blocking websites with the 0.0 DNS server is straightforward and doesn’t require any additional software or complex configurations.
  • Device-Level Blocking: By configuring the hosts file on a specific device, you can block access to specific sites only on that device, allowing fine-grained control over internet access.

Disadvantages:

  • No Custom Error Message: When a blocked website is accessed, instead of displaying a custom error message, browsers typically show a generic “site cannot be reached” or similar error.
  • Easily Bypassed: Savvy users can easily bypass this type of blocking by modifying their hosts file or using alternative DNS servers.

In Conclusion

The 0.0 DNS server is a useful tool for blocking access to specific websites or domains at the device or network level without requiring additional software or complex configurations. It provides a simple and effective way to restrict internet access, although it may have limitations in terms of custom error messages and potential bypassing by knowledgeable users.

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