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Setting up a local DNS server for privacy & security

Setting up a local DNS server for privacy & security
Photo by Matthew Henry / Unsplash

In today's digital age, having a local DNS server can greatly enhance your network's performance and security. Whether you're a home user looking to speed up your internet experience or a small business aiming to boost network efficiency, setting up a local DNS server is a practical solution. In this guide, we'll walk you through the process of setting up a local DNS server using Technitium DNS.

Why Choose Technitium DNS?

Technitium DNS Server is a powerful yet user-friendly DNS server software designed for both personal and professional use. Here are some reasons why Technitium DNS stands out:

  • Free and Open Source: Technitium DNS is completely free to use and open source, making it accessible to everyone.
  • User-Friendly Interface: The intuitive web-based interface makes it easy to configure and manage your DNS server.
  • Advanced Features: Supports DNS-over-HTTPS (DoH), DNS-over-TLS (DoT), and DNSCrypt for enhanced security.
  • Cross-Platform Compatibility: Works on Windows, Linux, and macOS.

Getting Started with Technitium DNS

Follow these steps to set up your local DNS server using Technitium DNS:

Step 1: Download and Install Technitium DNS

Download: Visit the Technitium DNS website and download the latest version of the software for your operating system.

Install: Run the installer and follow the on-screen instructions to install Technitium DNS on your machine.

Step 2: Initial Configuration

Launch the Application: After installation, open Technitium DNS Server from your applications menu.

Access the Web Interface: Open your web browser and navigate to http://localhost:5380 to access the web-based interface.

Set Up Admin Account: The first time you access the interface, you'll be prompted to set up an admin account. Choose a strong password to secure your server.

Step 3: Configuring DNS Settings

Add Forwarding DNS Servers: In the dashboard, go to the DNS Settings tab. Here, you can add the IP addresses of the DNS servers to which queries will be forwarded. Common choices include Google DNS (8.8.8.8, 8.8.4.4) or Cloudflare DNS (1.1.1.1, 1.0.0.1).

Enable DNS-over-HTTPS: For enhanced privacy and security, enable DNS-over-HTTPS (DoH) by checking the appropriate option and entering the DoH server URL.

Custom DNS Records: You can add custom DNS records under the DNS Zones tab. This is useful for creating local domain names that are only accessible within your network.

Step 4: Configure Client Devices

To make use of your new DNS server, you'll need to configure your client devices (computers, smartphones, etc.) to use it:

  • Windows: Go to Control Panel > Network and Sharing Center > Change adapter settings. Right-click your network connection and select Properties. Double-click Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) and enter the IP address of your DNS server.
  • macOS: Go to System Preferences > Network. Select your network connection, click Advanced, and navigate to the DNS tab. Add the IP address of your DNS server.
  • Linux: Modify your network configuration file (e.g., /etc/resolv.conf) to include the IP address of your DNS server.

Step 5: Testing Your DNS Server

To ensure your DNS server is functioning correctly, you can use various tools and commands:

nslookup: Open a terminal or command prompt and type nslookup example.com. The response should come from your local DNS server.

ping: Ping a domain (e.g., ping example.com) and check if the resolution time has improved.

Conclusion

Setting up a local DNS server with Technitium DNS is a straightforward process that can greatly benefit your network. By following this guide, you'll have a robust and secure DNS solution tailored to your needs. Happy networking!