DNS Cache Flushing: Improve Website Speed and Performance

Have you ever found yourself browsing the internet at a very slow pace, even with a high-speed connection in place? Or perhaps you found that several websites are down or have network issues while checking from different online sources at the same time?

These frustrating issues  can generally be traced back to something simple : an outdated or clogged DNS cache.

But before going a bit in-depth into flushing the DNS cache, we should first understand what the DNS is.

Key Takeaways:

• Domain Name System or DNS is, generally speaking, among similar lines, a telephone book for the internet.
• It is a translator that translates easily read domain names into IP addresses that machines read. For example, when you type a web address like ”www.google.com” into a browser, the DNS translates the text into a machine IP address “74.125.19.14”.
• In other words, when you key in an address bar on your web browser, your computer sends a DNS query to a DNS server to figure out an IP address that serves the page. 

The Role of DNS Caching

It will cache DNS records in the local database of your PC to speed up the process and reduce the load on DNS servers. That is another example of a typical temporary database.

The IP addresses of the sites that you recently visited will be located here. If you want to browse a certain website again, your computer will scan its cache first. If the address is there, it can connect to the site directly without checking the DNS server.

It saves so much time during loading!

Now that we understand what is a DNS flush is and why DNS cache flushing is important, let’s explore when DNS caching goes wrong.

When Can DNS Caching Go Wrong?

DNS caching usually works in your favor, but occasionally, it can cause issues. Here are a few scenarios of either a corrupted or outdated DNS cache that can cause problems:

Wrong IP addresses

DNS records do change with time. If there are outdated records inside your computer's cache, it will try to connect to the wrong IP and, hence, the error or long loading time in success.

Modifications to the Website

If a website has recently changed the server location or the domain name, your computer may not be pointing to the new area.

Network Glitches

From time to time, issues in the network, such as failing routers or problems from your ISP, may also cause DNS caches to become spoiled.

How to Flush Your DNS Cache

Fortunately, flushing your DNS cache is quite easy. The methods differ just slightly across each OS but are all conceptually and in design like the following: 

Windows

1. Search for Command Prompt or PowerShell, and run it as an administrator.
2. Enter the command ipconfig/flushdns and hit Enter.
3. You’ll see a message confirming the DNS cache has been flushed.

macOS

1. Open Terminal.
2. Enter sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder and hit Enter.
3. Enter your password when prompted.

Linux

1. Open the terminal.
2. The command to flush the DNS cache will depend on the Linux distribution. Popular commands are like sudo systemd-resolve --flush-caches or sudo /etc/init.d/nscd restart.
3. Enter your password if prompted.

When to Flush Your DNS Cache 

There is no fixed rule as to when you should really do it. But, there are some typical cases where you will find its flushing to be very useful:

• Having intermittent trouble with the internet.
• When troubleshooting, a user can't get to specific websites.
• If you have recently replaced your ISP or router.
• After modifying your network settings.

Why Should You Flush the DNS Cache?

DNS cache flushing is crucial for proper network performance, and it resolves many internet issues. There are some prominent reasons to do it:

1. Website Loading Will Be Faster

An out-of-date DNS cache on your computer could make it a little hard for it . Why? As it might have to look up a website many times to get the correct IP address. This delays website loading.

Moreover, direct connections can help a computer access websites faster by using its own up-to-date list of IP addresses.

2. Improved Network Stability

Incorrect DNS records may lead to errors, such as connection time-outs, a message for the website not found, or the slow rendering of pages. Flushing a DNS cache will prevent such occurrences and make your browsing experience smooth and error free

Plus, it is a quick and effective solution if you experience internet connectivity issues.

3. Better Security

DNS cache poisoning attacks have a tendency to lead the victims to malicious websites. Flushing your DNS cache every now and then will decrease the probability of these attacks on your system.

4. Troubleshooting Network Issues

Clearing the DNS cache frequently is an important step in the diagnosis of many network-related problems. This will save a ton of your troubleshooting time.! How? By fetching better results for any issues related to DNS

5. Adapting to Network Changes

You might be aware of the recent change of an Internet Service Provider. Right? The ISP might have made some changes to the network infrastructure. Under such cases, DNS flushing will again help to ascertain that the computer uses the right DNS servers.

There are some DNS settings that can be modified by a simple firmware update or even after you have executed a factory reset on your router. Flushing your DNS cache can help you easily get around such problems.

Conclusion

DNS cache flushing enhances network performance. This blog serves as a guide to help readers understand more about DNS specifics and also the purpose of clearing the cache.

Basically, DNS cache flushing is a must-do exercise to keep the internet journey safe and sound. It is a simple technique that carries great benefits.

It improves website loading time, network responsiveness, security, and resolves many network issues. Also, this helps in making it responsive to the changes in network configuration.

Having a thorough understanding of DNS caching techniques is exactly what you need to troubleshoot your way through a rough surf!

Happy Exploring!