How to Configure DNS on Linux

Configuring DNS (Domain Name System) on Linux is a key step in managing how your system connects to the internet and resolves domain names into IP addresses. Whether you’re setting up a local server, troubleshooting network issues, or optimizing your system’s performance, understanding DNS configuration can make a significant difference.

In this blog post, we’ll guide you through the process of configuring DNS on Linux, covering everything from installing necessary tools like BIND to editing configuration files and testing your setup By the end of this article, you’ll have the knowledge to set up a reliable DNS server tailored to your needs—whether for personal use or enterprise-level environments

To know more about the DNS Theory & Working Process check the article What is Domain Name System(DNS)?

How to Install DNS Server Software on Linux

Step 1: Open Linux Terminal

• Open the Linux Terminal & execute the following command to update already installed packages on Linux.

Command: sudo apt update

👁 1--Update

Step 2: Install BIND

• At last, use the below-mentioned command to Install DNS Server BIND on Linux.

Command: sudo apt install bind9

👁 2--Install-BIND

So, you have to perform these steps to Install BIND on Linux, if you have not performed it beforehand. Then, the following configuration process is stated.

How to Configure DNS on Linux

To enable DNS Server on Linux, there are two methods first one is the following configurations should be performed. We will start with configuring Named Config Files.

1. Configure DNS on Linux by Configuring the Named Config Files

Step 1: Opne BIND Config File

• In the BIND Server, there are Config Files are present where we have to make the changes. To open such files the following command will be used.

Command: sudo nano /etc/bind/named.conf.options

👁 3--Config-Files

Step 2: Add Smaple Address

• Now, under the Forwarders make the following changes as you can see in the image. We have to add the sample IP Address of Google.

👁 4--Add-IP-Address

2. Configure DNS on Linux by Adding Forward & Reverse Lookup

Step 1: Add Forward & Reverse Lookup in Linux

• To add Forward & Reverse Lookup in Linux, the below-mentioned command will be used. It will open the file to make changes.

Command: sudo nano /etc/bind/db

👁 5--Execute-Command

Step 2: Update Serial Number

• Make the Serial Number Zero for the proper configuration there.

👁 6--Change-Serial-Number

3. Configure DNS on Linux by Restarting BIND Server & Status

Step 1: Restart BIND

• It is time to Restart the BIND Server after making the changes. To do that, the following command should be used.

Command: sudo systemctl restart bind9

👁 7--Restart-BIND

Step 2: Check the BIND Server

• Now, it is time to check the Status of the BIND Server that it is running now or not. To do that, the following command will be used.

Command: sudo systemctl status bind9

👁 8--Check-Status

4. Configure DNS on Linux by Binding with UTF Firewall

Step 1: Enable UTF

At last, the configuration with Uncomplicated Firewall (UTF) should be done. We will enable the UTF with BIND. For that purpose, the below command will be used.

Command: sudo utf allow bind9

👁 9--Enable-UTF

Step 2: Check Status

Now, if we are going to check the Status of the Firewall, we will find the BIND is added to the firewall which implies the end of the configuration.

Command: sudo utf status

👁 10--UTF-Status

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