Tuesday, March 29, 2011

Help Documentation For The Masqed Crusader

The Masqed Crusader is a Network Optimization Tool for Root Users Only.

What Does The Masqed Crusader Do?

* Improves overall network speed on both WiFi and Mobile data (2g/3g etc..) connections by locally caching nameserver data and forcing the use of Google's fast DNS servers.

* Increases privacy by avoiding the use of your wireless carrier's DNS servers. When paired with end-to-end encryption (i.e. using https when possible, running TOR etc...) this can diminish your carrier's ability to spy on you while using mobile internet.

* In addition, it provides effective ad-blocking functionality by redirecting ad-server requests.




Technical Stuff.

Masqed Crusader uses dnsmasq, which acts as a middle man, between your device and the DNS server. Dnsmasq caches recent DNS lookups locally and uses hashing to quickly search that cache. The Masqed Crusader runs dnsmasq with a customized configuration file that is optimized for use with mobile devices, and constantly enforces its use by ensuring that the device looks to itself (127.0.0.1) for all DNS lookups.

* Some Wireless Tethering Apps also use dnsmasq to work, and therefore will not function when Masqed Crusader is ONLINE... To use wireless tethering, simply put Masqed Crusader OFFLINE.

If you experience an unusual loss of internet connectivity, try turning Masqed Crusader off and on again, if this does not work, then toggle the device in and out of Airplane Mode.


Explanation of Permissions

Masqed Crusader requests SuperUser Permissions three times when it is first run, one request is for the app itself to be allowed, the other two are for shell scripts that are utilized to accomplish the tasks of both starting dnsmasq and configuring the device to use it.

In addition to SU Permissions, Masqed Crusader also asks for: Storage (writing config files to the SD card), Read Phone State (to re-apply DNS settings when the phone changes networks) and Start at Boot (to reset the status message after a reboot)

***Please remember that network speeds vary greatly and are dependent on a number of factors.***

Thanks for using The Masqed Crusader!