Using an iPad with a Synology NAS | Test you DNS server from a Terminal


In this video, we take a look at how from an iPad, we can run a terminal command to test the local DNS server install on our Synology NAS.

Note: A Domain Name System (DNS) is like a phonebook for a network, in that it converts IP addresses into domain names and vice versa. So after setting up a DNS server on our NAS, we need to test that it is working correctly. However as an iPad was not designed to be able to run terminal commands, we will be using an app called a-Shell.

While you do not have to use a local DNS server with your home network. It will help you to connect to network devices like your NAS, wireless router and printer.

Quick reference notes:

  • Download and open the a-Shell app
  • To perform a DNS lookup, at the command prompt type.
nslookup [hostname]
  • When you press Enter on the keyboard, your iPad will display the results from your DNS query.
  • To perform a reverse DNS lookup, at the command prompt type
nslookup [ipaddress]
  • When you press Enter on the keyboard, your iPad will display the results from your DNS query
  • To gracefully close your current Terminal session type:
exit
  • When you press Enter on your keyboard the Terminal session will end and you can close the Terminal application.

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