Setting up Pi-hole

[aaronyuri]

Okay, thanks. Well one of the websites I don't use very often is reporting I'm using an ad blocker so it must be doing something.

I am using a Pi 2W via Wifi, is there any point in getting a network port dongle? I do have one that has a USB-C connecter but it doesn't work with the Pi using a USB-C to micro sd converter, no power passing through.

I also don't suppose there's any point in adding the PS5 to Pi Hole, just things like computers, phones and tablets?

If I game on my PC will it add latency?

The only delay would be when performing name resoluition. A few ms isn't going to make one bit of difference to your DNS lookups, quite frankly. Once your device has performed the lookup, there will be no further delay. The short answer is no, this will not affect gaming on your PC, nor add any latency. To provide some further context:

Your client (PC in this instance) needs to connect to gameserver1.com (just an example). It will send a DNS lookup query to your Pi, with Pi-hole listening for DNS requests. If Pi-hole doesn't have the record cached, it will go to your configured DNS forwarder and query it for the record instead. Once it receives a response, it forwards the response back to your client (PC). Your PC then makes a direct connection to whatever gameserver1.com resolved to. The Pi is no longer involved once your client (PC) knows what IP address to connect to.

To flow it:

Client > Pi-hole > Check Pi-hole cache, if no cached record, do lookup > Pi-hole sends DNS query to DNS forwarder > Pi-hole receives response from DNS forwarder > Pi-hole sends response back to client.

Client connects directly to the resolved IP.

 

[Smok3y]

The only delay would be when performing name resoluition. A few ms isn't going to make one bit of difference to your DNS lookups, quite frankly. Once your device has performed the lookup, there will be no further delay. The short answer is no, this will not affect gaming on your PC, nor add any latency. To provide some further context:

Your client (PC in this instance) needs to connect to gameserver1.com (just an example). It will send a DNS lookup query to your Pi, with Pi-hole listening for DNS requests. If Pi-hole doesn't have the record cached, it will go to your configured DNS forwarder and query it for the record instead. Once it receives a response, it forwards the response back to your client (PC). Your PC then makes a direct connection to whatever gameserver1.com resolved to. The Pi is no longer involved once your client (PC) knows what IP address to connect to.

To flow it:

Client > Pi-hole > Check Pi-hole cache, if no cached record, do lookup > Pi-hole sends DNS query to DNS forwarder > Pi-hole receives response from DNS forwarder > Pi-hole sends response back to client.

Client connects directly to the resolved IP.

Many thanks good sir. Shame VM won't allow modem mode on thgeir newer hardware, but I guess Pi Hole is working as intended so all good.

 

[Steveocee]

Okay, thanks. Well one of the websites I don't use very often is reporting I'm using an ad blocker so it must be doing something.

I am using a Pi 2W via Wifi, is there any point in getting a network port dongle? I do have one that has a USB-C connecter but it doesn't work with the Pi using a USB-C to micro sd converter, no power passing through.

I also don't suppose there's any point in adding the PS5 to Pi Hole, just things like computers, phones and tablets?

If I game on my PC will it add latency?

Yes, very good indicator if a website is telling you that you're blocking. If you haven't already, have a look at Hagezei (https://github.com/hagezi/dns-blocklists) lists. The default StevenBlack list is good for basic blocking but they take it to another level.

If you can, rework your network so your Pi is cabled in. If for whatever reason the connection to the Pi isn't greatm your whole network will suffer. I wouldn't want critical infrastructure to my (or anybodies) network connected via WiFi - Cable is the way.

Run everything you can via your PiHole! If you use more feeds, you're protecting the devices using it, not just ad's, Hagezei does threat feeds, it's an extra layer of protection you can bake in with zero effort for other clients.

 

[Smok3y]

Yes, very good indicator if a website is telling you that you're blocking. If you haven't already, have a look at Hagezei (https://github.com/hagezi/dns-blocklists) lists. The default StevenBlack list is good for basic blocking but they take it to another level.

If you can, rework your network so your Pi is cabled in. If for whatever reason the connection to the Pi isn't greatm your whole network will suffer. I wouldn't want critical infrastructure to my (or anybodies) network connected via WiFi - Cable is the way.

Run everything you can via your PiHole! If you use more feeds, you're protecting the devices using it, not just ad's, Hagezei does threat feeds, it's an extra layer of protection you can bake in with zero effort for other clients.

I looked at that but don't know how to add it? I added Easy something as that was just copying and pasting a line of text. I have found the Pi Hole links and wehen I click on either Link/M1/M2 it gives me a big list so I guess I just need copy the the link from the address bar and paste it into Pi Hole with the other 2?

Also after approx 24 hours I've had to reset my VM 5x router, nothing would connect and my Xbox showed could not connect to DHCP server although everything has been working fine for around a day?