Performance optimisation

System Resource Management

Hardware Considerations

Optimise performance by using capable hardware such as a Raspberry Pi 3/4 or equivalent device that provides sufficient CPU and memory resources.

Resource Usage Optimisation

Reduce system load through these key adjustments:

• Set Privacy Level to "Minimal" or "No Statistics" in the Pi-hole dashboard to decrease CPU and disk usage
• Enable enhanced DNS caching by adding cache-size=10000 to /etc/dnsmasq.d/01-pihole.conf
• Remove unnecessary services like DHCP if not needed: sudo service dhcpcd disable

Network Configuration Enhancement

DNS Server Selection

Improve query response times by:

• Using high-performance DNS providers like Cloudflare (1.1.1.1) or Google DNS (8.8.8.8)
• Testing DNS server performance using tools like dig or nslookup
• Implementing DNS over HTTPS (DoH) through services like Cloudflared or Unbound

Local DNS Management

Enhance resolution speed by:

• Configuring Local DNS Records for frequently accessed domains
• Adjusting TTL values for devices requiring frequent DNS updates
• Creating efficient local caching policies

Database and Log Management

Log Optimisation

Improve system efficiency through proper log management:

• Disable query logging when not needed: pihole logging off
• Regularly clear accumulated logs: pihole -f
• Consider moving the database to RAM for advanced setups: bash sudo mount -t tmpfs -o size=100M tmpfs /var/log/pihole

Blocklist Management

Efficient Blocking Strategy

Optimise blocking performance by:

• Using carefully curated blocklists from trusted sources like firebog.net
• Maintaining a proper whitelist for frequently accessed trusted domains
• Minimizing the use of wildcard blocking to essential cases only

Service Configuration

FTL Performance Tuning

Enhance FTL service performance by modifying /etc/pihole/pihole-FTL.conf:

MAXDBDAYS=7
MAXLOGAGE=24
QUERY_INTERVAL=10

System Reliability

Ensure consistent operation by:

• Enabling automatic service recovery: bash sudo systemctl enable pihole-FTL sudo systemctl enable lighttpd
• Maintaining current software with regular updates: pihole -up

Remember to monitor system performance after implementing these changes and adjust settings based on your specific usage patterns and requirements.