AlgoVPN Setup Guide

# Using OpenDNS to Filter Content on a Home Network

This guide walks you through the detailed steps of using OpenDNS to filter web content and monitor internet activity across your entire home network. OpenDNS provides a free service that allows families to enforce safe browsing through content categories, domain blocking, and traffic logging.

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## Step 1: Create a Free OpenDNS Account

1. Visit [https://www.opendns.com/home-internet-security/](https://www.opendns.com/home-internet-security/) in your browser.
2. Scroll down to the **OpenDNS Home** section and click **Sign Up**.
3. Fill out the registration form:
    - Enter your email address.
    - Choose a secure password.
    - Confirm your password.
4. Click **Create Free Account**.
5. Check your email for a confirmation link and click it to verify your address.
6. Once verified, go to [https://dashboard.opendns.com](https://dashboard.opendns.com) and log in using your email and password.

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## Step 2: Update DNS Entries in Your Home Router

To filter content for every device on your network, you need to configure your router to use OpenDNS.

1. Find your router's IP address:
    - Common ones are `192.168.1.1`, `192.168.0.1`, or `10.0.0.1`.
    - On Windows, run `ipconfig` and look for "Default Gateway."
    - On macOS/Linux, use `netstat -nr | grep default`.

2. Enter the IP into a web browser and log into your router. This usually requires a username and password. (Check the back of your router or its manual if you don't know these.)

3. Find the **DNS Settings** section. This may be under:
    - **WAN Settings**
    - **Internet Settings**
    - **Advanced Network Settings**

4. Replace the existing DNS server IPs with OpenDNS's DNS addresses:
    - Primary DNS: `208.67.222.222`
    - Secondary DNS: `208.67.220.220`

5. Save and apply the settings. Reboot the router if prompted.
6. Optionally, clear your device's DNS cache:
    - Windows: `ipconfig /flushdns`
    - macOS: `sudo dscacheutil -flushcache; sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder`
    - Or just reboot your device.

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## Step 3: Add and Bind Your Network in OpenDNS Dashboard

1. Log back in at [https://dashboard.opendns.com](https://dashboard.opendns.com).
2. Click **Settings** in the top menu.
3. You'll be prompted to **Add a Network** — OpenDNS will auto-detect your current public IP address.
4. Confirm it and give your network a name (e.g., "Home Network").
5. Click **Add This Network**.
6. You may be prompted to confirm your IP address periodically. If your ISP changes your public IP often, install the OpenDNS **Dynamic IP Updater** from:
    - [https://support.opendns.com](https://support.opendns.com)

This step links your home’s public IP to your OpenDNS account so that filtering and logging rules apply.

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## Step 4: Enable Logging and Set Filtering Level

1. After adding your network, go back to the **Settings** tab.
2. Select your home network from the list.
3. Scroll down to **Content Filtering**:
    - Select **Moderate** to block adult content, gambling, hate, tasteless, and similar categories.
    - You can customize individual categories if desired.
    - Click **Apply** at the bottom of the page.

4. Now enable stats and logs:
    - Go to the **Stats and Logs** tab.
    - Click **Enable Stats and Logs** to begin collecting traffic data.

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## Step 5: Wait and Review Activity

1. OpenDNS may take a few hours to begin showing traffic data.
2. Come back to [https://dashboard.opendns.com](https://dashboard.opendns.com) after 2–6 hours.
3. Visit the **Stats and Logs** tab.
4. Review:
    - Domains visited by users on your network.
    - Sites that were blocked due to your filtering level.
    - Top domains, total requests, and usage trends.

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By completing these steps, you’ve enabled family-wide content filtering and network-level monitoring — a strong first step in responsible digital parenting using OpenDNS.