Pi-hole

Pi-hole is an open-source DNS sinkhole that blocks unwanted content for all devices on a local network. It operates at the network level, meaning it protects devices without requiring the installation of client-side software on individual machines. The software is deployed on Linux hardware and can be installed via a shell script or as a Docker container for those who prefer containerized environments.

Users typically configure their router to use Pi-hole as the DNS server for all DHCP clients. This ensures that DNS queries from smartphones, smart TVs, and computers are filtered before they reach the internet. The system includes both a command-line interface for administration and a web-based dashboard for monitoring network activity, making it accessible for both technical users and those who prefer a graphical interface.

Key features

• Blocks content in non-browser locations including mobile apps and smart TVs
• Caches DNS queries to increase browsing speed
• Optional integrated DHCP server for automatic device protection
• Support for both IPv4 and IPv6 protocols
• Responsive web interface with detailed query logs and statistics
• Command-line interface for full system administration
• API for integrating DNS statistics into external projects
• Low hardware and software requirements for lightweight deployment

The software utilizes FTLDNS, a purpose-built daemon that provides the necessary statistics for the web interface and API. This architecture allows the system to track the total number of blocked domains, unique clients, and the percentage of ads blocked. The web dashboard provides detailed graphs, doughnut charts, and top lists of domains and clients to help users understand their network traffic. It is designed to scale from minimal hardware, such as a Raspberry Pi, up to server-grade hardware capable of handling hundreds of millions of queries.

Installation can be performed through an automated script, by cloning the repository, or via official Docker images. Once installed, the software can be managed entirely through the shell or via a password-protected web admin panel. This flexibility allows it to fit into various home or office network topologies regardless of the router hardware used.

Pi-hole is a network-level utility for users who want centralized control over DNS filtering and privacy on their local network.