Speed test fails when using OpenDNS DNS servers instead of the "auto" DNS servers

[akalati]

The Google Wifi Speed test fails or is extremely slow when using OpenDNS DNS servers instead of the "auto" DNS servers (it works fine when using "auto" DNS). I can't figure out which domain is being used so that I can whitelist it in OpenDNS. I've tried speedtest.google.com and speedtest.googlefiber.net but that didn't help. Any ideas which domain(s) are being hit and/or how to resolve this issue otherwise? TIA.

[tajennifer]

Hi akalati,

Thanks for posting. I understand you're experiencing issues with your Google Wifi speed test failing or being extremely slow when using OpenDNS servers instead of the "auto" DNS servers. I'll be happy to help you with this. I just need to ask for some information to provide the best solution:

• What Google Nest Wifi devices do you have? You can check the article "What Google Nest Wifi device do I have?" to find out.

• How many Google Wifi devices do you have in total?

• What is the internet speed of your plan?

• Approximately how many devices are connected to your network?

• Have you experienced any internet outages in your area recently?

Please keep me posted.

Best regards,

Jenny

[akalati]

Hi! Thanks much for helping me solve this mystery! Responses below, but I'll stress that the culprit is 100% as I described it.

---

@tajennifer wrote:

Hi akalati,

Thanks for posting. I understand you're experiencing issues with your Google Wifi speed test failing or being extremely slow when using OpenDNS servers instead of the "auto" DNS servers. I'll be happy to help you with this. I just need to ask for some information to provide the best solution:

• What Google Nest Wifi devices do you have? You can check the article "What Google Nest Wifi device do I have? " to find out.

Classic Google Wifi points (GJ2CQ)

• How many Google Wifi devices do you have in total?4 points

• What is the internet speed of your plan?
  1 GB

• Approximately how many devices are connected to your network?
  30

• Have you experienced any internet outages in your area recently?
  No

Please keep me posted.

Best regards,

Jenny

---

[tajennifer]

Hi akalati,

Thanks for posting and for the detailed information. Please try the following steps to resolve the situation:

• Run a speed test directly from the modem.
• Check cables and ports for any damage. What type of cable are you currently using?
• Check for Wi-Fi, electromagnetic, and frequency interference.
• Check for network congestion.
• Change DNS settings and toggle Nest Wifi Cloud services.
• Perform a 2-minute power cycle on your equipment.
• Change your DNS to either 1.1.1.1 or 1.0.0.1.
• Perform a factory reset as a last resort.

Please let me know how these steps work out for you.

Best regards,

Jenny

[akalati]

Sorry to be blunt but you're obviously ignoring the specifics of my situation and giving me a boilerplate copy/paste response. Are are the specifics once more:

The Google Wifi Speed test fails or is extremely slow when using OpenDNS DNS servers instead of the "auto" DNS servers (it works fine when using "auto" DNS). I can't figure out which domain is being used so that I can whitelist it in OpenDNS. I've tried speedtest.google.com and speedtest.googlefiber.net but that didn't help. Any ideas which domain(s) are being hit and/or how to resolve this issue otherwise? TIA.

[tajennifer]

Hi akalati,

Thanks for your reply. This issue typically occurs when certain required domains or IP addresses used by the speed test are blocked, redirected, or resolved differently by external DNS services.

To ensure the most accurate performance testing and compatibility, we recommend keeping your DNS settings on "auto." This allows Google Wifi to utilize optimized DNS paths for its built-in features, such as the speed test.

Regards,
Jenny

[akalati]

That's not a viable option since I need the filtering for the family, and it doesn't address my concern/request! I need to know exactly which domain(s) are used in the speed test so that I can whitelist them. Is there anyone out there that can clarify what that is??