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Explore common application conflicts with DNSFilter to ensure optimal network security and performance.

DNSFilter is designed to enhance your network's security by filtering harmful and unwanted content at the DNS level. However, certain software and hardware configurations can interfere with its effectiveness, interfering with DNS traffic by sending it to different servers or blocking traffic to DNSFilter completely.

Understanding these potential conflicts is crucial for maintaining the integrity of your network and ensuring that DNSFilter operates smoothly. 

Having trouble with a specific software, hardware, or app? Post a question to our Community, check our existing content for conflict resolutions, or check with the manufacturer's documentation for assistance.  

VPNs

Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) can create conflicts by redirecting DNS queries through encrypted tunnels, potentially bypassing DNSFilter. 

• Configuration: Ensure that the VPN is set to use the desired DNS servers
• Split Tunneling: If available, enable split tunneling to allow certain traffic to bypass the VPN while still utilizing DNSFilter, especially our Windows Roaming Client

Web Browsers

Web browsers often include built-in features that can interfere with DNS filtering. Common conflicts include:

• DNS Over HTTPS (DoH): This feature encrypts DNS requests, which can prevent DNSFilter from functioning correctly. Disable DoH to ensure proper filtering
• Cached DNS Records: Browsers cache DNS information, which can lead to accessing outdated or unfiltered content. Regularly clearing the browser cache helps mitigate this issue

Firewalls

Firewalls are essential for network protection but can conflict with DNS filtering if not correctly configured:

• Allow DNS Traffic: Ensure firewall rules permit traffic to and from DNSFilter. Blocked ports may prevent DNS queries from functioning
• Review Security Policies: Check that firewall policies are compatible with DNS filtering to avoid inadvertently blocking essential traffic

Antivirus and Security Software

Antivirus and security applications can also interfere with DNSFilter by modifying network settings:

• DNS Settings: Some security software may override DNS configurations, causing conflicts. Review and adjust settings as needed
• Web Filtering Features: Ensure that any web filtering functionalities in the security software do not conflict with DNS resolution

Network Equipment

Hardware components such as routers and switches can create conflicts with DNS filtering:

• Router Settings: Ensure that the router is configured to forward DNS queries to DNSFilter. Incorrect settings may bypass the filter
• Firmware Updates: Regularly update network equipment firmware to ensure compatibility and address potential conflicts

Additional Conflicts

Several other conflicts can also impact DNSFilter:

• Proxy Settings: Misconfigured proxy settings in network applications can bypass DNS filtering. Ensure that any proxy settings align with DNSFilter
• Network Address Translation (NAT): Improper NAT configurations can lead to misrouted DNS queries. Correctly set up NAT for effective filtering
• Local DNS Servers: If local DNS servers do not forward requests to DNSFilter, this can create gaps in filtering. Verify that all DNS requests are processed correctly
• Mobile Device Management (MDM) Solutions: MDM settings may impose restrictions that affect DNS filtering. Check MDM DNS settings to ensure traffic isn't sent to an alternative service 
• ISP-Level DNS: Some ISPs may have their own DNS settings that could interfere with DNSFilter. Ensure devices are configured to use DNSFilter’s DNS servers exclusively