Configuring DNS on MikroTik for Faster Browsing and Local Resolution Print

Hello again! It’s Emmanuel Corels from Emmanuel Corels Creatives, here with another practical MikroTik guide. Today, we’re focusing on DNS configuration—an essential service that translates domain names to IP addresses, ensuring your network devices can quickly locate websites and servers. Let’s walk through how to set up and optimize DNS on your MikroTik router in a beginner-friendly way.

Why Configure DNS on Your MikroTik?

• Faster Browsing: By enabling DNS caching, your router can quickly respond to repeated queries, reducing lookup times.
• Local Resolution: You can create static DNS entries for local devices, making it easier to access them by name instead of remembering IP addresses.
• Central Management: With your router handling DNS requests, you have greater control over which DNS servers your devices use.

Step 1: Accessing DNS Settings

1. Open WinBox and connect to your MikroTik router.
2. Navigate to IP → DNS. Here, you’ll find the DNS configuration options.

Step 2: Configure Basic DNS Settings

1. DNS Servers:

   • In the “Servers” field, enter reliable DNS server addresses. You might choose public DNS such as:
     • 8.8.8.8 (Google DNS)
     • 8.8.4.4 (Google DNS)
   • Alternatively, you can use your ISP’s DNS servers or another trusted provider.

2. Allow Remote Requests:

   • Check the “Allow Remote Requests” box. This lets devices on your LAN use your MikroTik as their DNS server.
   • Enabling this also means the router will cache DNS queries, which speeds up repeated lookups.

3. Cache Size:

   • The default cache size is usually sufficient for most networks, but if you expect heavy usage, you might consider increasing it.

4. Apply Settings:

   • Click Apply and then OK to save your changes.

CLI Equivalent:

/ip dns set servers=8.8.8.8,8.8.4.4 allow-remote-requests=yes

Step 3: Setting Up Static DNS Entries (Optional)

Static DNS entries are useful for local devices (like a NAS or printer) that you want to access by a friendly name.

1. In IP → DNS, go to the Static tab.
2. Click the “+” button to add a new static entry.
3. Name: Enter the hostname (e.g., nas.home).
4. Address: Enter the device’s IP (e.g., 192.168.88.100).
5. Click OK.

Now, any device querying your MikroTik for nas.home will get the IP you specified.

CLI Equivalent:

/ip dns static add name=nas.home address=192.168.88.100

Step 4: Testing Your DNS Configuration

1. From a LAN Device:
   • Ensure your device’s DNS settings point to your MikroTik’s LAN IP (e.g., 192.168.88.1). This is typically handled via DHCP.
   • Open a browser and visit a website to confirm that DNS lookups are working smoothly.
2. Using MikroTik’s Tools:
   • In WinBox, open the Terminal and run:

     /tool dns-update
     

     Or simply use:

     /ip dns print
     

   • Check the cache and static entries to ensure your settings are active.

Troubleshooting Tips

• No Response or Slow DNS:
  • Verify that “Allow Remote Requests” is enabled.
  • Check your WAN connectivity; if the router can’t reach the DNS servers, look for firewall rules that might be blocking UDP port 53.
• Incorrect Static Entry:
  • Double-check the IP address and hostname for typos.
• Device Configuration:
  • Ensure that LAN devices are receiving the correct DNS server (your MikroTik’s IP) via DHCP.

Final Thoughts

Proper DNS configuration is a key part of a smooth and responsive network. With your MikroTik set to handle DNS queries—both dynamic lookups and static entries—you’ll experience faster browsing and easier management of local resources. As always, experiment with your settings and adjust as needed. If you run into any issues or have questions, feel free to reach out. Happy networking!

Explained with clarity by
Emmanuel Corels – Admin, Emmanuel Corels Creatives