Google has created a new system to resolve DNS (domain name system) queries that the company claims will speed up Web browsing for end users, as well as make it more secure.
Google Public DNS, announced on Thursday, is still in an experimental phase.
It attempts to improve on existing DNS resolver technology with faster, more efficient caching and additional security safeguards against spoofing attacks that try to dupe users into visiting malicious Web sites.
The DNS lets people type Web site URLs in their browsers and translates them into the appropriate IP (Internet Protocol) numerical addresses, acting as a sort of phone book and switchboard.
To use Google Public DNS, users will have to change network settings so that their Web site requests go to the Google service instead of to their ISP. Google has set up a Web page with detailed instructions on how to do this.
“We believe that a faster DNS infrastructure could significantly improve the browsing experience for all web users. To enhance DNS speed but to also improve security and validity of results, Google Public DNS is trying a few different approaches,” wrote Prem Ramaswami, from Google’s Public DNS Team, in an official blog posting.