How to change the DNS server setting on a Hub One

[#1]

Does anyone know how to change the default DNS settings on the Hub One?

I just installed one of these today, having upgraded my line to fibre. However, I can find no way to change the DNS settings using the Hub Manager utility.

I use OpenDNS as my DNS provider because of the significantly enhanced filtering controls and reporting which this service provides.

[#2]

I'm afraid that the DNS is locked in the Hub One. 

[#3]

That's unacceptable. I'll have to speak to Plusnet and lodge a complaint. How can they block customers using the DNS service of their choice? The OpenDNS service offers protection which I consider essential when children are using computers on my network. Currently, that security has been removed.

[#4]

Strictly speaking Plusnet don't block customers from using the DNS service of their choice, just their default supplied equipment only works on automatic DNS so sets to the ISP's servers - the same as the BT HomeHub 5 (of which the Plusnet Hub1 is a close copy - same kit, rebranded firmware and casing).  It does seem very restrictive - note the Hub 1 cannot be set to respond to WAN ping either

You can use a router of your own choice as long as it's compatible with the package you're on or you can set DNS on some (possibly most/all) devices directly.

[#5]

You can use the DNS service of your choice by manually setting it on your devices.

[#6]

That solution will work OK for all the regular fixed equipment in the building, but it isn't really practical for visitors, especially kids with numerous phones, tablets etc.

[#7]

Have you looked in to using our Safeguard service? https://www.plus.net/home-broadband/safeguard/

[#8]

The Safeguard service covers some of what I've been using with the other DNS provider, and will certainly cover me until such time as I can sort out a long-term solution, which seems to mean buying a third-party router.

[#9]

Stupid question - it seems that the Hub One has locked DNS server addresses. How do I go about changing this to access the Safeguard DNS addresses?

[#10]

You don't need to do anything on the router, if you follow the link I've given previously this will apply Safeguard to your account.

[#11]

Have a look here

https://portal.plus.net/my-account/safeguard/

[#12]

Yep, looked at all of that first. Done as instructed. Hub One is still accessing 212.159.13.50 and 212.159.6.9 - not 213.120.234.42. Have switched off/on, waited two hours etc etc etc

It's not a deal breaker but having wandered around the advanced control panel for Hub One I was a bit mollified to see that 'advanced' means different things to different people

[#13]

Bump.

Okay, my Hub One, despite waiting days and using several power down/ups, refuses to use the DNS settings for Safeguard. Since there's no way to manually control the DNS settings I guess it's supposed to be done when handshaking with Plusnet on restart - but it's not.

Is this normal? Is Safeguard precluded from people with Plusnet's own supplied hardware?

[#14]

OK. Have been onto support.

For anyone interested the solution (untried) is this:

Hub One has no manual DNS control.
Handshaking with Plusnet is not changing my DNS settings to the Safeguard ones.
Will at Plusnet says that I have to change the DNS settings for each device that I want to have restricted access.

I can do this. Many people won't be able to.

Problems -

1. Unless I restrict user permissions on each device the DNS settings can be reverted by a savvy user (child)

2. I cannot change the DNS settings on any visiting devices (other kids not from this house) without a lot of hassle

So, in my case (and perhaps many others with Hub One) we have a Plusnet supplied device that cannot effectively use a Plusnet provided service.

I've asked Will to pass on this feedback.

Cheers.

[#15]

I wanted to change DNS servers as well to use Pi Hole and increase network speed