Configuring Bind9 to Use Dnsmasq

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 142 views

Introduction

In this article, we will explore how to configure Bind9 to use Dnsmasq for local LAN names. This setup allows you to leverage the strengths of both Bind9 and Dnsmasq, providing a robust and scalable DNS solution for your network. We will cover the configuration steps for both Bind9 and Dnsmasq, as well as provide tips and best practices for setting up this hybrid DNS system.

Prerequisites

Before we dive into the configuration steps, make sure you have the following:

A Dnsmasq server running on a machine with IP address 10.0.0.1
A Bind9 DNS server running on a separate machine
Knowledge of hostnames and IP addresses for local networks, such as Guest Wireless and Wired Networks
A basic understanding of DNS concepts and configuration

Dnsmasq Configuration

Dnsmasq is a lightweight DNS forwarder and DHCP server that can be used to provide DNS services for local networks. To configure Dnsmasq to serve DNS for your local networks, you will need to create a configuration file that specifies the hostnames and IP addresses for each network.

dnsmasq.conf

# Configuration file for Dnsmasq listen-address=10.0.0.1 dhcp-host=192.168.1.100,my-laptop,10.0.0.1 dhcp-host=192.168.1.200,my-desktop,10.0.0.1

server=/local/10.0.0.1

In this example, we are specifying two hostnames and IP addresses for each network, as well as the DNS server to use for each network.

Bind9 Configuration

Bind9 is a powerful DNS server that can be used to provide DNS services for local networks. To configure Bind9 to use Dnsmasq for local LAN names, you will need to create a configuration file that specifies the Dnsmasq server as the forwarder for local networks.

named.conf.options

# Configuration file for Bind9
forwarders {
10.0.0.1;
};
forward first;

In this example, we are specifying the Dnsmasq server as the forwarder for local networks, and the DNS servers to use for external networks.

Configuring Bind9 to Use Dnsmasq

To configure Bind9 to use Dnsmasq for local LAN names, you will need to create a new zone file that specifies the hostnames and IP addresses for each network.

local.zone

; Configuration file for local networks
; Specify the hostnames and IP addresses for each network
$TTL 1h
@ IN SOA ns1.local. hostmaster.local. (
1 ; serial
3H ; refresh
15M ; retry
1W ; expire
1H ) ; minimum
@ IN NS ns1.local.
@ IN NS ns2.local.
; Specify the hostnames and IP addresses for each network
my-laptop IN A 192.168.1.100
my-desktop IN A 192.168.1.200

In this example, we are specifying the hostnames and IP addresses for each network, as well as the DNS servers to use for each network.

Testing the Configuration

To test the configuration, you can use the dig command to query the DNS server for a hostname.

dig

; dig my-laptop.local
;; global options: +cmd
;; Got answer:
;; ->>HEADER<<- opcode: QUERY, status: NOERROR, id: 1234
;; flags: qr aa rd ra; QUERY: 1, ANSWER: 1, AUTHORITY: 0, ADDITIONAL: 0
;; QUESTION SECTION:
;my-laptop.local. IN A
;; ANSWER SECTION:
my-laptop.local. 3600 IN A 192.168.1.100
;; Query time: 1 msec
;; SERVER: 10.0.0.1#53(10.0.0.1)
;; WHEN: Thu Mar 12 14:30:00 2020
;; MSG SIZE  rcvd: 56

In this example, we are querying the DNS server for the hostname my-laptop.local and receiving the IP address 192.168.1.100 as the answer.

Conclusion

In this article, we have explored how to configure Bind9 to use Dnsmasq for local LAN names. We have covered the configuration steps for both Bind9 and Dnsmasq, as well as provided tips and best practices for setting up this hybrid DNS system. By following these steps, you can create a robust and scalable DNS solution for your network that leverages the strengths of both Bind9 and Dnsmasq.

Troubleshooting Tips

Make sure that the Dnsmasq server is running and configured correctly.
Make sure that the Bind9 server is running and configured correctly.
Check the DNS server logs for any errors or issues.
Use the dig command to test the DNS server and verify that it is working correctly.

Best Practices

Use a separate DNS server for each network to improve performance and scalability.
Use a DNS forwarder to cache DNS responses and improve performance.
Use a DNS server with a high availability and redundancy to ensure that the DNS service is always available.
Use a DNS server with a secure protocol, such as DNS over TLS, to encrypt DNS traffic and improve security.
Configure Bind9 to Use Dnsmasq for Local LAN Names: Q&A =====================================================

Introduction

In our previous article, we explored how to configure Bind9 to use Dnsmasq for local LAN names. In this article, we will answer some of the most frequently asked questions about this setup.

Q: What is the difference between Bind9 and Dnsmasq?

A: Bind9 is a powerful DNS server that can be used to provide DNS services for local networks. Dnsmasq, on the other hand, is a lightweight DNS forwarder and DHCP server that can be used to provide DNS services for local networks. By using both Bind9 and Dnsmasq, you can create a robust and scalable DNS solution for your network.

Q: Why use Dnsmasq as a forwarder for Bind9?

A: Dnsmasq can be used as a forwarder for Bind9 because it can cache DNS responses and improve performance. By using Dnsmasq as a forwarder, you can reduce the load on your Bind9 server and improve the overall performance of your DNS system.

Q: How do I configure Bind9 to use Dnsmasq as a forwarder?

A: To configure Bind9 to use Dnsmasq as a forwarder, you will need to create a new zone file that specifies the hostnames and IP addresses for each network. You will also need to specify the Dnsmasq server as the forwarder for local networks in the Bind9 configuration file.

Q: What are the benefits of using Bind9 and Dnsmasq together?

A: The benefits of using Bind9 and Dnsmasq together include:

Improved performance: By using Dnsmasq as a forwarder, you can reduce the load on your Bind9 server and improve the overall performance of your DNS system.
Scalability: By using both Bind9 and Dnsmasq, you can create a robust and scalable DNS solution for your network.
Flexibility: By using both Bind9 and Dnsmasq, you can choose the best tool for the job and create a customized DNS solution that meets your needs.

Q: How do I troubleshoot issues with Bind9 and Dnsmasq?

A: To troubleshoot issues with Bind9 and Dnsmasq, you can use the following steps:

Check the DNS server logs for any errors or issues.
Use the dig command to test the DNS server and verify that it is working correctly.
Check the Bind9 and Dnsmasq configuration files for any errors or issues.
Use a tool such as nslookup to test the DNS server and verify that it is working correctly.

Q: What are some best practices for using Bind9 and Dnsmasq together?

A: Some best practices for using Bind9 and Dnsmasq together include:

Use a separate DNS server for each network to improve performance and scalability.
Use a DNS forwarder to cache DNS responses and improve performance.
Use a DNS server with a high availability and redundancy to ensure that the DNS service is always available.
Use a DNS server with a secure protocol, such as DNS over TLS, to encrypt DNS traffic and improve security.

Q: Can I use Bind9 and Dnsmasq together on a single machine?

A: Yes, you can use Bind9 and Dnsmasq together on a single machine. However, you will need to configure Bind9 to use Dnsmasq as a forwarder and configure Dnsmasq to serve DNS for local networks.

Q: How do I upgrade or downgrade Bind9 and Dnsmasq?

A: To upgrade or downgrade Bind9 and Dnsmasq, you will need to follow the installation instructions for each package and configure the DNS servers to use the new versions.

Conclusion

In this article, we have answered some of the most frequently asked questions about configuring Bind9 to use Dnsmasq for local LAN names. By following these steps and best practices, you can create a robust and scalable DNS solution for your network that leverages the strengths of both Bind9 and Dnsmasq.

Additional Resources

Troubleshooting Tips

Make sure that the Dnsmasq server is running and configured correctly.
Make sure that the Bind9 server is running and configured correctly.
Check the DNS server logs for any errors or issues.
Use the dig command to test the DNS server and verify that it is working correctly.

Best Practices

Use a separate DNS server for each network to improve performance and scalability.
Use a DNS forwarder to cache DNS responses and improve performance.
Use a DNS server with a high availability and redundancy to ensure that the DNS service is always available.
Use a DNS server with a secure protocol, such as DNS over TLS, to encrypt DNS traffic and improve security.