Basic networking concepts for beginners
Preparing for Installation
DNS (Domain Name System) functions as the internet's phonebook, converting human-readable website names into IP addresses computers understand. When you type "google.com," DNS servers translate this to a numeric address like 142.250.190.78.
Pi-hole positions itself as a DNS filter between your devices and the internet. When a device requests a website, Pi-hole checks if the domain is on its blocklist. Clean requests proceed to upstream DNS servers, while known advertising domains are blocked, returning an empty response.
Your router acts as the network's traffic controller, directing all devices' DNS queries through Pi-hole when properly configured. This central position allows Pi-hole to filter unwanted traffic before it reaches any network device, creating a network-wide shield against advertisements and trackers.
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