Using Cloudflare to improve download speeds
On some occasions, regional internet service providers (ISP) are unable to connect to the Contrail CDN provider, Bunny, resulting in slow download speeds. This is typically due to an issue with the ISP's DNS table lookup which either block the route entirely or send the traffic via an inefficient route. The issue is always temporary but can be frustrating.
One solution is to replace your ISP's DNS table with an alternative. The most common suggestions are Cloudflare DNS (1.1.1.1), Google DNS (8.8.8.8), or Quad9 (9.9.9.9). This can be changed on your PC by editing the DNS settings for your Network Adapter, choosing Manual, and then entering the preferred DNS address.
Cloudflare's one click solution
Alternatively, Cloudflare provide a free utility called the Cloudflare One Client app. This utility runs in the background and can be enabled or disabled at the press of a button without any other setup. When enabled, the DNS lookup uses Cloudflare DNS, and when disabled, the DNS lookup uses the ISP DNS. The mode can be changed at any time.
To use this utility, follow these steps:
- Go to https://one.one.one.one/ and download the app
- Once the Cloudflare One Client is installed, run it.
- On the home page, make sure that "Traffic and DNS (UDP)" is the selected Mode and then select Connect
- Now try the downloads again in the Contrail app - are the speeds back to normal?
Cloudflare manual setup
If you would rather have manual control over setting up Cloudflare, without using an additionally installed app, Cloudflare have produced a guide with the steps required. Go to https://developers.cloudflare.com/1.1.1.1/setup/windows/ for the steps.