Is a DNS and Internet Gateway the Same Thing? Explained Easily

If you’ve ever peeked at your Wi-Fi settings and noticed words like DNS and Internet Gateway, you’re not alone. Many people get confused by these terms, but don’t worry, this guide will explain everything in simple language. By the end, you’ll understand whether DNS and Internet Gateway are the same thing, and how they work in your daily internet use.

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Why Is My Default Gateway and DNS Server the Same?

Have you ever checked your internet settings and seen that both your default gateway and DNS server have the same number (IP address)? This often surprises people, but it’s actually quite normal.

When both use the same IP, it usually means your router is doing both jobs:

• Acting as the gateway, sending your internet traffic out.
  
• Acting as the DNS resolver, helping find websites.
  

So, in small home networks, yes, it’s common for DNS and gateway to share the same IP.

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Should Gateway and DNS Be the Same?

No, they don’t have to be the same. But in many home Wi-Fi setups, they are.

Here’s why:

• Routers are smart. They’re often designed to handle DNS lookups and also work as your internet gateway.
  
• In larger networks (like offices), DNS might be handled by a separate server.
  

Think of it like this:

• DNS is like a phone book for the internet.
  
• Gateway is like the main door out of your house.
  

Sometimes one device handles both; sometimes they’re separate.

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DNS Gateway Example: What Does It Look Like?

Let’s say your home router has an IP address of 192.168.0.1. It can:

• Send your data to the internet (gateway).
  
• Translate website names into IP addresses (DNS).
  

That’s a DNS Gateway, a router that does both jobs.

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DNS Gateway IP: How to Find It

If you’re curious to check your settings, here’s a simple way on Windows:

1. Press Windows + R, type cmd, and hit Enter.
2. In the black box, type:
   
   

3. Look for:
   
   • Default Gateway
     
   • DNS Servers
     

If both IPs are the same, your router is doing both jobs, DNS and Gateway.

You can also learn more about how DNS servers work in this helpful article by Cloudflare.

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What Is the Preferred DNS Server IPv4?

This is the main DNS server your computer uses first.

For example:

• Preferred DNS: 1.1.1.1 (Cloudflare)
  
• Alternate DNS: 8.8.8.8 (Google)
  

You can set these manually to speed up your browsing or block unsafe websites.

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IP Address, Subnet Mask, Default Gateway and DNS Server

Let’s break down each term simply:

• IP Address: Your computer’s unique number on the network.
  
• Subnet Mask: Helps devices know who else is on the same local network.
  
• Default Gateway: The device that connects your network to the internet (usually the router).
  
• DNS Server: Helps your device find websites by name.
  

All four work together to help your device access the internet quickly and safely.

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Default DNS IPv4: What Should You Use?

Most people use their ISP’s DNS by default, but you can switch to public DNS servers for better speed or privacy.

Popular DNS IPv4 options:

• Cloudflare: 1.1.1.1
  
• Google: 8.8.8.8
  
• OpenDNS: 208.67.222.222
  

These are fast, free, and secure alternatives.

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Gateway DNS Cloudflare: A Smart Choice

If your gateway (router) uses Cloudflare DNS, you’ll benefit from:

• Faster internet browsing
  
• Encrypted DNS traffic (safer from spying)
  
• Protection from malicious websites
  

How to set Cloudflare DNS:

1. Log in to your router (usually 192.168.0.1 in your browser).
   
2. Go to DNS settings.
   
3. Set:
   
   • Primary DNS: 1.1.1.1
     
   • Secondary DNS: 1.0.0.1
     
4. Save and restart your router.
   

You can also learn about secure internet gateways in this guide by Xcitium.

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Summary Table: DNS vs Internet Gateway

Feature	DNS Server	Internet Gateway
What it does	Find website addresses	Sends traffic to the internet
Works like	A phone book	The main exit door
Can it be the same IP?	Yes	Yes
Configurable?	Yes (manually settable)	Yes (set by ISP or router)

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between DNS and gateway?

DNS finds website names (like google.com) and turns them into IP addresses.
A gateway sends your internet traffic from your device to the web. They are different, but can be handled by the same device.

What is the DNS of the internet gateway?

It usually refers to the DNS IP address provided by your gateway/router. It can either be the router’s own IP (e.g. 192.168.1.1) or a public DNS like 8.8.8.8.

What is DNS also known as?

DNS is also known as the Domain Name System. It’s like the internet’s phone book.

How do I find my gateway and DNS?

On Windows:

1. Press Windows + R, type cmd, and press Enter.
   
2. Type ipconfig /all.
   
3. Look under “Default Gateway” and “DNS Servers”.
   

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Final Thoughts

So, is a DNS and Internet Gateway the same thing? Not exactly, but sometimes they share the same device, like your home router. Now that you understand the difference, you can fix slow connections, improve your security, and even change DNS servers for better speed.

Whether you’re streaming, gaming, or working from home, a little DNS and gateway knowledge goes a long way.

Want help setting up your DNS or gateway settings for better internet performance? Just ask, and I’d be happy to guide you!