Documentation - Network
New NSIT DNS server addresses
Quick Fix!
To fix your settings, use our small DNS updater program for Windows 2000/XP/Vista or Mac OS X. You'll need your CNetID and password to access these downloads.
In October 2007, NSIT will change the addresses of the University's primary DNS servers. To test your dns click go to test.dns.uchicago.edu. This is due to a recent change in the NSIT DNS server addresses and is required to keep your University internet connection running smoothly. The FAQ and instructions below will help you in making this change.
This change will only affect machines using Ethernet on campus outside the Residence Halls. It will not affect wireless users or home machines. If you are running a router of any sort, you may also need to update its DNS settings.
How to change your DNS server addresses:
You will need your CNetID and password to download the programs referenced below. After downloading, double-click the icon to launch the updater.
For Windows 2000/XP/Vista
We have created a small program which automates this process: download it here.
Technicians and advanced users, check here for manual instructions.
For Mac OS X
We have created a small program which automates this process: download it here.
Technicians and advanced users, check here for manual instructions.
Other operating systems, including Windows Server and *nix, are not officially supported by the NSIT SupportLine, and will need to be changed manually. Look here for the list of new and old addresses.
Other Questions
- What is DNS?
- Why are the NSIT DNS server addresses changing?
- What were the old NSIT DNS server addresses? What are the new ones?
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What is a DNS server?
Doman Name Service (DNS) is the means by which computers translate machine-readable IP addresses (e.g. 128.135.12.53) to human-readable hostnames (e.g. www.uchicago.edu) and back again. DNS servers are the machines that perform these translations. For a more in-depth discussion of what a DNS server is (and what DNS means and does) check out this Data Networking article.
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Why are the NSIT DNS server addresses changing?
The NSIT DNS server infrastructure has been revamped to provide additional security, reliability, and speed. The address change was a necessary part of this process.
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What were the old NSIT DNS server addresses? What are the new ones?
The old NSIT DNS server addresses were:
- 128.135.4.2
- 128.135.20.100
- 128.135.72.200
- 128.135.228.2
- 128.135.12.73
The new NSIT DNS server addresses are:
- 128.135.247.50
- 128.135.249.50
Note that your local network may require different DNS servers which also have addresses beginning in 128.135. Do not change these local DNS servers, as they are unaffected by this change.
Last updated: 7/17/08