SmartDNS Local DNS Resolver on Ubuntu 24.04 LTS

Overview

SmartDNS is a local DNS server that forwards each lookup to multiple upstream resolvers concurrently, measures how quickly each returned address really responds, and returns the fastest one to the client. It caches results aggressively for low latency, supports encrypted upstreams over TLS, HTTPS and QUIC, and can apply per domain rules such as pinning an address or blocking a name outright. A built in web interface shows live query logs, upstream behaviour and cache statistics. It is a common choice for private resolvers in cloud networks, branch sites and labs where lookup latency matters.

Common uses

• A low latency caching resolver for a cloud network
• Fastest route selection for services with many endpoints
• A private resolver with encrypted upstreams and query visibility

See it running

Real screenshots taken while testing this image against its deployment guide.