How to Use MikroTik as a Local DNS Server

Every small or medium-sized business relies on multiple devices in the network – servers, NAS units, routers, and printers. Often these are accessed only by IP addresses, which is inconvenient and hard to remember.

With MikroTik, you can easily configure a local DNS and use names like nas.local instead of 192.168.88.10. This makes management faster and access to resources much more convenient. For more on network security, check out our article on WireGuard vs OpenVPN.

1. Enable the DNS Server

Go to IP → DNS and enable Allow Remote Requests. This allows LAN clients to use the router for DNS resolution.

2. Add Static Records

In IP → DNS → Static add custom entries, for example:

• nas.local → 192.168.88.10
• printer.office → 192.168.88.20
• intranet.local → 192.168.88.50

From now on, devices can be reached by their hostname instead of their IP address.

3. Configure the DHCP Server

In IP → DHCP Server → Networks set the MikroTik as the DNS server (e.g., 192.168.88.1). All LAN clients will then automatically receive it via DHCP.

4. Benefits of Local DNS

• Convenience – access devices by names, not numbers.
• Fewer errors – no need to remember IPs.
• Flexibility – if an IP changes, only the DNS record is updated.
• Useful for offices, SMBs, and home networks alike.

Conclusion

Using MikroTik as a local DNS server is a simple but powerful configuration that makes networks more convenient and user-friendly. If you’d like to set up a secure and flexible network infrastructure, our team can help with MikroTik configuration and support.

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