Setting Up a DHCP and DNS Server with Dnsmasq on Ubuntu

Automate Your Network Configuration

Once you have a router, you need a way to automatically assign IP addresses to the computers on your private network. The ‘Ubuntu System Administration Guide’ shows how to set up a DHCP and DNS server using a single, lightweight tool called `dnsmasq`.

What Dnsmasq Does

• DHCP Server: It listens for requests from new devices on the network and assigns them an IP address from a predefined range. It also tells them the address of the router (gateway) and the DNS server.
• DNS Server: It handles DNS queries for your local network. You can configure it to resolve custom local domain names (e.g., pointing `nas.local` to your network storage device) and forward all other requests to a public DNS server like Google’s or Cloudflare’s.

By installing and configuring `dnsmasq` on your Ubuntu router, you create a fully functional and self-contained network for your home or small office.

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This post is based from content of the book Ubuntu System adminstration guide. And the book can be found here https://www.amazon.com/stores/Mattias-Hemmingsson/author/B0FF5CQX13