In a previous video we installed VPN Server onto our Synology NAS. However after configuring our VPN client in macOS, we discovered an issue that would sometimes prevent Safari from loading web pages. The only way we found to fix this problem, was to install DNS Server onto our Synology NAS.
So in this video we look at how you install and configure DNS server onto a Synology NAS, and then show you which elements need to be re-configure on a home network. Finally, to test that our DNS server is working correctly, we also take a look at how you can test your DNS Server using either Windows 10 or macOS.
Quick reference notes:
- Log into Disk Station Manager (DSM) with administrators privileges
- Open Package Centre and install DNS Server onto your Synology NAS
Notes: If you enabled the Firewall on your NAS, during the installation process you will be prompted to open the Ports that DNS Server will need to use. Simply select OK,
- Now, open DNS Server from within the Main Menu.
- Under Resolution select Enable resolution services.
- The Enable Forwarder options will become active.
- In Forwarder 1 enter the IP address to a valid DNS server i.e. 208.67.222.222
- For Forwarder 2 enter a second IP address to a valid DNS server i.e. 8.8.8.8
- Select Apply.
Note: The above settings will forward any queries that our local DNS server can not answer to secondary DNS Servers. The IP addresses that we have referenced 208.67.222.222 and 8.8.8.8 are for Open DNS and Googles DNS Server.
- Under Zones, we will need to create two Zones, a Forward and Reverse Zone.
- First we will create a Forward Zone, by selecting Create – Master Zone.
- In the Domain Name field enter the domain name to your home network. ie my.doodads.synology.me
- The Master DNS server field will contain the IP address of your NAS.
- Serial format we will leave on Integer.
- Select OK to create our first Master Zone.
Notes: We need to create two Master Zones. One to resolve server name to IP address queries, and one to resolve IP address to server name queries.
- Once again select Create – Master Zone
- Within Domain Type select Reverse Zone
- In Domain Name type the IP address to your home networks domain for example 192.168.1
- However, this will need to be in reverse i.e. 1.168.192
- For Name server simply select to drop down arrow and select your domain name.
- Serial format should be set to Integer.
- Choose OK
Notes: We can now create record for our DNS to use when it looks up queries.
- Highlight your Forward and choose Edit – Resource Record
- With the Edit Resource Record panel open choose the Create button.
- From the menu of options select A Type
- In the Name field type the host name of your NAS or other device i.e. nas.mydoodads.synology.me
- Now form withIn the IP address field enter the IP address of your NAS
- Select OK
- Repeat the process for any additional devices you want give a Forward Resource record.
- Choose OK
- Highlight Reverse Record and choose the Edit button – Resource Record
- When the Edit Resource Record panel opens select Create – PTR Type
- In the Name field type the last digit of the IP address to your NAS i.e. 1
- For the Host/Domain field enter the domain name of your NAS i.e. nas.mydoodads.synology.me
- Select OK
- Repeat the process for any additional devices you want to give a Reverse Resource record
Notes: While this will configure your DNS server, you will need to change the DNS settings within your DHCP server to ensure that any devices connecting to your home network will use your new DNS server.
Reference materials:
- Synology Manual – Setup DNS Server
- Support Article from Synology – How to setup your domain with Synology DNS Server
- Synology Support – Synology NAS Port numbers
