Why do I need to add a network when I already have a private home network?

[emc01]

I've just completed the process of getting the OpenDNS Premium DNS for my home network. In Dashboard, it recommends that I add a network? What for?

[rotblitz]

Registering your IP address information with an OpenDNS dashboard network is mandatory for your settings and stats to take effect.

[cervezafria]

OpenDNS implements your filters based on the your external IP. not your hardware print. If your private network shares a common external IP, all network shares would be filtered per your Dashboard rules (there are devious ways around this).

[rotblitz]

"your filters"

...but the guy is using OpenDNS Premium DNS which does not come with content filtering, but still with stats and security settings.

[zubscribe]

My question is related to this (and I have seen no other topics).

I have OpenDNS configured on my router already. Do I really need to 'set up a network'? What benefit does it add? 

Thanks, David

[rotblitz]

Saying it again: Registering your IP address information with an OpenDNS dashboard network is mandatory for your settings and stats to take effect.

If you don't mind if your or another user's settings take effect for you, then you don't need to care about.

"I have seen no other topics"

See e.g. the FAQ: https://support.opendns.com/forums/21224750-FAQ-Networks-with-Dynamic-IP-Addresses

[alexahar]

Anyone may use OpenDNS without registering an account or adding your network to the Dashboard. The benefit of creating an account and registering your IP address to the Dashboard is that you can view network stats for the network you've added. This is entirely optional, but necessary if you wish to use OpenDNS to view your network stats. 

[zubscribe]

Thanks Rotblitz and Alexander. Both were very helpful!