How to Enable DNS on OpenVPN Server DD-WRT: A Step-by-Step Guide

If you’re looking for a secure way to access your network remotely, OpenVPN is a popular choice. However, configuring your OpenVPN server with DNS settings can be a bit tricky, especially if you’re using a DD-WRT router. In this step-by-step guide, we’ll walk you through the process of enabling DNS on OpenVPN server DD-WRT, so you can ensure your remote users can securely access your network resources.

Before we dive into the specifics of configuring DNS on OpenVPN, it’s important to understand the importance of DNS in an OpenVPN environment. DNS is crucial for resolving hostnames to IP addresses, allowing your clients to access resources on your network. Without DNS, your clients won’t be able to connect to your network, so it’s essential that you configure it correctly.

First things first, to configure DNS on OpenVPN server DD-WRT, you’ll need to access the DD-WRT router interface. This is where you’ll configure your OpenVPN server settings, including your DNS settings. Once you’re logged in, you can begin the process of configuring your OpenVPN server and DNS settings.

With this guide, you’ll be able to configure DNS on OpenVPN server DD-WRT like a pro. Keep reading to learn the step-by-step process for enabling DNS forwarding, configuring your OpenVPN server settings, and testing DNS resolution. By the end of this guide, you’ll have a fully configured OpenVPN server with DNS settings, so you can securely access your network resources from anywhere.

Understand the Importance of DNS in OpenVPN

If you’re running an OpenVPN server using DD-WRT, you’ll need to enable DNS to ensure that all devices connected to the VPN can access resources on your network. DNS stands for Domain Name System, and it’s essentially a protocol that translates human-readable domain names (like www.example.com) into IP addresses (like 192.168.1.1) that computers can understand.

Without DNS, your devices won’t be able to resolve domain names to IP addresses, which means they won’t be able to access resources on your network. This can be a major issue, especially if you’re using the VPN to access resources on your home network from a remote location. Enabling DNS on your OpenVPN server is essential if you want your VPN to work properly.

Fortunately, enabling DNS on your OpenVPN server is a fairly simple process. All you need to do is configure your DD-WRT router to act as a DNS server, and then configure your OpenVPN server to use that DNS server. In the following sections, we’ll walk you through the process step-by-step.

Before we get started, it’s important to note that there are two types of DNS servers: authoritative and recursive. An authoritative DNS server is responsible for providing answers to DNS queries based on its own data, while a recursive DNS server queries other DNS servers on behalf of the client. When configuring your DD-WRT router to act as a DNS server, you’ll want to make sure it’s set up as a recursive DNS server, so that it can forward DNS queries to other DNS servers on the internet if it doesn’t have the answer.

In addition to enabling DNS on your OpenVPN server, you’ll also want to make sure that you’re using a secure DNS service. A secure DNS service encrypts your DNS queries and responses, which helps protect your privacy and security. One popular secure DNS service is Cloudflare’s 1.1.1.1, which you can configure on your DD-WRT router and OpenVPN server.

Now that we’ve covered the basics of DNS and why it’s important, let’s move on to the next section and learn how to access the DD-WRT router interface.

What is DNS?

1. DNS stands for Domain Name System, which is a hierarchical naming system that translates human-readable domain names into their corresponding IP addresses.

2. The DNS system is crucial for the functioning of the internet, as it enables users to access websites and other online resources by simply typing in the domain name instead of the numerical IP address.

3. When a user enters a domain name into their browser, the browser sends a request to a DNS resolver, which then looks up the corresponding IP address and returns it to the browser, allowing the user to access the requested resource.

Without the DNS system, the internet would be a much more difficult and complex system to navigate, and users would need to memorize IP addresses in order to access websites and other online resources.

Why is DNS Important in OpenVPN?

Secure Data Transfer: DNS plays a critical role in ensuring secure data transfer between the OpenVPN server and clients. Without DNS, clients will be unable to connect to the server, which means they will not be able to access the resources they need.

Easy Resource Access: With DNS, clients can easily access resources on the OpenVPN network by simply using domain names instead of IP addresses. This makes it easier for clients to connect to the server and access resources without having to remember complex IP addresses.

Enhanced Security: DNS in OpenVPN can be used to add an extra layer of security by preventing unauthorized access to the server. By using DNS, the server can verify the identity of clients trying to connect to it, and only allow authorized clients to access the network.

Improved Network Management: DNS in OpenVPN can be used to manage the network more effectively by assigning domain names to devices and resources on the network. This makes it easier to track and manage network resources, and allows administrators to quickly identify and troubleshoot any issues that may arise.

Efficient Resource Allocation: DNS in OpenVPN can also be used to allocate network resources more efficiently. By using DNS to direct clients to the nearest server, administrators can ensure that resources are being used in the most efficient way possible.

How DNS Works in OpenVPN?

DNS resolution plays a vital role in connecting to a remote OpenVPN server. When a client wants to connect to a server, it needs to know the IP address of the server.

Instead of memorizing the IP address, which can be difficult and impractical, clients can use a domain name, such as vpn.example.com. When the client sends a connection request, it first contacts a DNS server to resolve the domain name to an IP address.

Once the DNS server responds with the IP address, the client can use this information to establish a connection to the OpenVPN server. During the connection process, the client and server exchange encryption keys and authenticate each other, creating a secure tunnel for data transmission.

Access the DD-WRT Router Interface

In order to enable DNS on OpenVPN Server DD-WRT, you need to access the DD-WRT router interface. This interface is the web-based control panel for the router that allows you to configure various settings. To access it, you need to open a web browser and enter the router’s IP address.

Once you have accessed the router interface, you will need to log in with the correct username and password. If you have never logged into the router before, the default login credentials are usually “admin” for the username and “password” for the password. However, it’s important to note that these default login credentials may vary depending on the router model and manufacturer.

After you have successfully logged into the router interface, you will be presented with the DD-WRT dashboard. From here, you can access and configure various settings related to your router, including the OpenVPN server settings and DNS forwarding.

It’s important to ensure that you have administrator privileges before making any changes to the router’s settings. This will ensure that you have the necessary permissions to configure and enable DNS on OpenVPN Server DD-WRT.

Connect to the DD-WRT Router

To access the DD-WRT router interface, you need to be connected to the same network as the router. If you are not already connected, connect your computer to the router’s network via Ethernet cable or Wi-Fi. Once you are connected, open your web browser and type the router’s IP address into the address bar. The default IP address for DD-WRT routers is usually 192.168.1.1. If this does not work, you can try to find the IP address by checking your network settings or using a network scanning tool.

When you access the DD-WRT router interface, you will be prompted to enter a username and password. If you have not changed the default login credentials, the default username is usually root and the default password is usually admin. It is highly recommended that you change the default login credentials to secure your network.

Once you have entered the correct login credentials, you will be taken to the DD-WRT router interface. From here, you can configure the router settings and enable DNS for OpenVPN.

Note: The steps to access the DD-WRT router interface may vary depending on the router model and firmware version. Make sure to consult your router’s manual or the DD-WRT website for specific instructions.

Configure OpenVPN Server Settings

Step 1: Access OpenVPN Server Settings

Once you have logged into the DD-WRT router interface, navigate to the Services tab and select VPN.

Step 2: Configure OpenVPN Server Settings

In the OpenVPN Server/Daemon section, ensure that the Start OpenVPN Server/Daemon option is set to Enable. Then, enter the following configuration settings for OpenVPN:

• Server IP/Name: Enter the IP address of your router.
• Port: Set the port number to 1194.
• Tunnel Protocol: Set the protocol to UDP.

Step 3: Save the OpenVPN Server Settings

After you have entered the configuration settings for OpenVPN, click on the Save button at the bottom of the page to save the changes.

Step 4: Start the OpenVPN Server

Once you have saved the OpenVPN server settings, click on the Start Now button to start the OpenVPN server on your DD-WRT router.

With these settings configured, your OpenVPN server is ready to use. Keep reading to learn how to enable DNS on your OpenVPN server to ensure secure and reliable connections.

Generate OpenVPN Server Certificates and Keys

Certificate Authority (CA) Configuration: The first step in setting up OpenVPN is to generate a certificate authority (CA) certificate and key. The CA certificate and key will be used to sign and authenticate all client and server certificates.

Server Certificate and Key Configuration: The server certificate and key are used to authenticate the OpenVPN server to clients. The certificate must include the OpenVPN server’s DNS name or IP address.

Client Certificate and Key Configuration: Each OpenVPN client must have a unique certificate and key. These certificates and keys are used to authenticate clients to the OpenVPN server.

Once the certificates and keys have been generated, they must be distributed to the appropriate parties for installation on their respective systems.

Set Up OpenVPN Server on DD-WRT

• Step 1: Access the DD-WRT router interface and navigate to the “Services” tab.

• Step 2: Enable the OpenVPN server by checking the “Enable” box.

• Step 3: Configure the OpenVPN server settings, including port number, protocol, and encryption. You can also specify the IP address range for the VPN clients.

Once you have completed the above steps, you can generate the OpenVPN client configuration files and certificates and distribute them to your VPN clients. Your clients will then be able to connect to your OpenVPN server on your DD-WRT router and securely access your network resources.

Configure DNS Settings for OpenVPN

DNS or Domain Name System is crucial for the functioning of OpenVPN. It translates domain names into IP addresses, which allows devices to locate and connect to resources on the internet. To configure DNS settings for OpenVPN, you need to specify the DNS server that clients will use.

When configuring DNS settings for OpenVPN, it is essential to consider privacy and security. By default, OpenVPN uses the DNS servers specified in the client’s network configuration. However, this can expose DNS queries to potential eavesdropping or tracking. Using a third-party DNS service, such as Google DNS or Cloudflare DNS, can provide additional privacy and security benefits.

It is also possible to configure split-tunnel DNS, which allows clients to use a different DNS server when accessing resources on the VPN network. This can help avoid potential conflicts with local DNS servers and ensure that clients can resolve DNS names for resources on the VPN network.

Overall, configuring DNS settings for OpenVPN is an essential step in ensuring that your VPN connection is secure, reliable, and meets your privacy needs. By specifying the appropriate DNS server and considering privacy and security concerns, you can ensure that your clients can access resources on the internet and VPN network without compromising their privacy or security.

Edit OpenVPN Configuration File on DD-WRT

To configure DNS settings for OpenVPN on your DD-WRT router, you will need to edit the OpenVPN configuration file. Here are the steps:

1. Log in to your DD-WRT router’s web interface and navigate to the “Services” tab.
2. Click on the “VPN” tab and then click on the “OpenVPN” tab.
3. Scroll down to the “Advanced Configuration” section and click on the “Edit” button next to “Custom Configuration”.

Once you have clicked on the “Edit” button, a new window will open that allows you to edit the OpenVPN configuration file. Here are the changes you will need to make:

• Add the line “push “dhcp-option DNS 8.8.8.8”” to the file. This will configure the OpenVPN server to push the Google DNS server to clients when they connect.
• Add the line “push “dhcp-option DNS 8.8.4.4”” to the file. This will configure the OpenVPN server to push the Google DNS server to clients when they connect.
• Save the file and then click on the “Apply Settings” button to apply the changes.

Once you have completed these steps, your OpenVPN clients will be able to resolve domain names using the Google DNS servers. You can substitute the Google DNS servers with any other DNS servers of your choice if you prefer.

Configure DNS Server on OpenVPN Client Devices

Once the OpenVPN client software is installed on your device, you need to configure the DNS settings to ensure that your internet traffic is routed through the VPN. Here’s how to do it:

1. Find your DNS server addresses: Open the OpenVPN client software and connect to the VPN. Then open a command prompt or terminal and type “ipconfig /all” (Windows) or “ifconfig” (Mac/Linux). Look for the “DNS Servers” or “DNS” entry and note down the IP address(es).
2. Configure the DNS settings: In the OpenVPN client software, navigate to the “Advanced” or “DNS” settings. Enter the IP address(es) of your DNS server(s) in the “DNS” field.
3. Test the DNS settings: Open a web browser and visit a website like www.google.com. If the VPN is working correctly, the website should load and you should see your VPN IP address instead of your regular IP address.
4. Verify DNS leak protection: To ensure that your DNS requests are not leaking outside the VPN tunnel, visit a DNS leak test website like https://ipleak.net/ and run a test. The website should only show your VPN DNS servers and not your ISP DNS servers.

By configuring the DNS server on your OpenVPN client devices, you can ensure that your online activity is secure and private, even when using public Wi-Fi networks.

Update the Firewall Rules to Allow DNS Traffic

To ensure that DNS traffic can pass through the firewall, you need to update the firewall rules. Here are the steps to follow:

Step	Action	Description
1	Login to the DD-WRT router interface	You need to be logged in to access the firewall settings.
2	Click on the “Security” tab	This will take you to the firewall settings.
3	Click on the “Access Restrictions” sub-tab	This will allow you to configure firewall rules.
4	Click on the “Add” button	This will create a new firewall rule.
5	Set the “Action” to “Allow”	This will allow traffic to pass through the firewall.
6	Set the “Protocol” to “UDP”	DNS traffic uses the UDP protocol.
7	Set the “Port Range” to “53”	This is the default port for DNS traffic.
8	Set the “IP Range” to “0.0.0.0”	This will allow traffic from any IP address.
9	Click on the “Save” button	This will save the new firewall rule.

By following these steps, you will be able to update the firewall rules to allow DNS traffic to pass through the DD-WRT router. This will ensure that your OpenVPN clients are able to connect to the DNS server and resolve domain names correctly.

Enable DNS Forwarding on DD-WRT

DD-WRT is a powerful router firmware that allows you to configure various networking options on your router, including DNS forwarding. Enabling DNS forwarding on DD-WRT is a simple process that can improve the performance and security of your network.

To enable DNS forwarding on DD-WRT, first log in to your router’s web interface and navigate to the “Services” tab. Under “Services,” click on the “Services” sub-tab and locate the “DNSMasq” section.

Here, you will find an option to enable DNSMasq. Check the box to enable DNSMasq, and then scroll down to the “DNSMasq” options section. In the “DNSMasq” options section, you will find an option to “Use DNSMasq for DHCP.” Check this option to enable DNS forwarding for your network.

You can also configure additional DNS options under the “DNSMasq” section, such as DNS caching and static DNS entries. These options can further improve the performance and security of your network.

After configuring the DNS options, click the “Apply Settings” button to save your changes. Your router will now be configured to forward DNS requests to your specified DNS server(s), improving the performance and security of your network.

Enabling DNS forwarding on DD-WRT is a simple yet effective way to improve your network’s performance and security. By configuring your router to forward DNS requests to your preferred DNS server(s), you can reduce network latency and ensure that your network is using a trusted DNS resolver.

Enable DNS Masquerade on DD-WRT

To ensure that DNS requests are properly forwarded through the VPN tunnel on the client devices, you need to enable DNS masquerade on the DD-WRT router. This allows the router to masquerade as the DNS server for the client devices.

To enable DNS masquerade on DD-WRT, you need to add the following command to the “Additional DNSMasq Options” section under the “Services” tab:

Command	Description
dhcp-option=6,192.168.1.1	Set the DNS server for the DHCP clients to the router’s LAN IP address.
dhcp-option=252,” “	Ensure that the WPAD protocol is disabled.
interface=tun0	Specify the interface to listen for DNS requests on (in this case, the VPN tunnel interface).

After adding these commands, click the “Apply Settings” button to save the changes. DNS masquerade should now be enabled on your DD-WRT router.

Configure DNS Forwarding on DD-WRT

Step 1: Log in to your DD-WRT router’s control panel and navigate to the “Services” tab.

Step 2: Click on the “Services” sub-tab and then scroll down to the “DNSMasq” section.

Step 3: Enable DNSMasq by checking the “Enable” box.

Step 4: In the “DNSMasq” section, enter the IP address of your preferred DNS server under the “DNSMasq” field.

Step 5: Click the “Save” button to save your changes.

By following these simple steps, you can configure DNS forwarding on your DD-WRT router and improve your network’s DNS performance.

Restart the OpenVPN Service and Test DNS Resolution

After making changes to your OpenVPN and DNS settings, it’s important to restart the OpenVPN service on your DD-WRT router for the changes to take effect. You can do this by logging in to your router’s web interface and navigating to the “Services” tab, then clicking on the “VPN” sub-tab.

Once you’re on the VPN sub-tab, you should see an option to “Start OpenVPN Client.” Click on this option to restart the OpenVPN service. This will ensure that all of the changes you’ve made to your OpenVPN and DNS settings are applied.

After you’ve restarted the OpenVPN service, it’s important to test DNS resolution to ensure that everything is working properly. You can do this by connecting to your VPN from a client device and then trying to access a website or resource using its domain name.

If you’re able to access the website or resource successfully, then DNS resolution is working properly and you can be confident that your OpenVPN and DNS settings are configured correctly. If you encounter any issues, double-check your settings and try restarting the OpenVPN service again.

Restart OpenVPN Service on DD-WRT

After making any changes to the OpenVPN configuration file or DD-WRT settings related to DNS, it is necessary to restart the OpenVPN service for the changes to take effect. To restart the service, log in to the DD-WRT router’s web interface and navigate to the “Services” tab. From there, click on the “VPN” tab and then click the “Enable” button next to the OpenVPN client or server you want to restart.

Alternatively, you can restart the OpenVPN service using the DD-WRT command line interface. Log in to the router’s SSH terminal and enter the following command: service openvpn restart. This will restart the OpenVPN service and apply any changes made to the configuration file.

It’s important to note that restarting the OpenVPN service will interrupt any active VPN connections. Therefore, it’s best to schedule a maintenance window during a time when VPN usage is low to avoid any disruption to users.

After restarting the OpenVPN service, test the VPN connection to ensure that DNS resolution is working properly. If there are any issues, review the configuration file and DNS settings on both the server and client devices to identify and resolve the problem.

Test DNS Resolution on OpenVPN Client Devices

After completing the DNS configuration on your OpenVPN server and client devices, it’s important to test whether DNS resolution is working as expected. To do this, you can use the following steps:

Step 1: Connect to your OpenVPN server using an OpenVPN client device.

Step 2: Open a web browser and navigate to a website using its domain name, such as “google.com”.

Step 3: If the website loads successfully, DNS resolution is working properly on your OpenVPN client device. If the website does not load, there may be an issue with your DNS configuration that needs to be addressed.

Step 4: Repeat the test on multiple client devices to ensure that DNS resolution is working consistently across all devices.

By following these steps, you can ensure that DNS resolution is working properly on your OpenVPN network, which is crucial for accessing resources and services using domain names instead of IP addresses.

Frequently Asked Questions