How Do I Resolvectl Set DNS Server for Persistent Configuration?

Resolvectl Set Dns Server is a powerful command-line utility that allows you to manage DNS settings on systems using systemd-resolved. Are you looking to configure a DNS server for your Linux system that persists across reboots? At rental-server.net, we understand the importance of reliable and persistent DNS configurations. That’s why we provide comprehensive guides and server solutions tailored to your needs, ensuring your systems run smoothly and efficiently.

1. Understanding the Basics of resolvectl set dns server

The resolvectl set dns server command is part of the systemd-resolved service, which handles DNS resolution on modern Linux systems. systemd-resolved provides local DNS caching and stub resolver functionality. Properly configuring your DNS settings ensures that your server can resolve domain names to IP addresses correctly.

1.1. What is systemd-resolved?

systemd-resolved is a system service that provides network name resolution to local applications. It implements a caching DNS stub resolver, LLMNR, and MulticastDNS resolvers. The service improves DNS resolution performance and provides more advanced features like DNSSEC validation.

1.2. Why Use resolvectl set dns server?

Using resolvectl set dns server allows you to dynamically configure DNS servers for specific network interfaces. This is particularly useful in environments where network configurations change frequently or where different interfaces require different DNS servers.

1.3. Benefits of Persistent DNS Configuration

Persistent DNS configuration ensures that your DNS settings remain consistent across system reboots. This is crucial for maintaining network connectivity and ensuring that applications can reliably resolve domain names.

2. Prerequisites for Using resolvectl set dns server

Before using resolvectl set dns server, ensure that your system meets the necessary prerequisites. This includes verifying that systemd-resolved is running and identifying the network interface you want to configure.

2.1. Verify systemd-resolved is Running

First, check that the systemd-resolved service is active and running. You can do this by running the following command:

systemctl status systemd-resolved

If the service is not running, start it with:

sudo systemctl start systemd-resolved
sudo systemctl enable systemd-resolved

2.2. Identify the Network Interface

You need to know the name of the network interface you want to configure. Use the ip addr command to list available network interfaces:

ip addr

Look for interfaces like eth0, wlan0, or ens33. Note the name of the interface you wish to configure.

2.3. Understanding the /etc/resolv.conf File

The /etc/resolv.conf file is a symbolic link managed by systemd-resolved. Do not manually edit this file. Instead, use resolvectl or other systemd tools to manage DNS settings.

ls -l /etc/resolv.conf

The output should indicate that it’s a symlink:

lrwxrwxrwx 1 root root 39 Jul 14 10:22 /etc/resolv.conf -> /run/systemd/resolve/stub-resolv.conf

3. Steps to Configure DNS Server Using resolvectl set dns server

To configure a DNS server using resolvectl set dns server, follow these detailed steps. This involves identifying the interface, setting the DNS server, and verifying the configuration.

3.1. Setting the DNS Server for a Specific Interface

Use the resolvectl set-dns command followed by the interface name and the DNS server IP address. For example, to set the DNS server for the ens33 interface to 8.8.8.8, use:

sudo resolvectl dns ens33 8.8.8.8

You can specify multiple DNS servers by adding more IP addresses:

sudo resolvectl dns ens33 8.8.8.8 8.8.4.4

3.2. Setting the DNS Domain for a Specific Interface

To set the DNS domain for a specific interface, use the resolvectl set-domain command. This configures the search domain used when resolving unqualified hostnames. For example:

sudo resolvectl domain ens33 example.com

3.3. Verify the DNS Configuration

After setting the DNS server, verify that the configuration is correct. Use the resolvectl status command followed by the interface name:

resolvectl status ens33

This command displays detailed information about the DNS configuration for the specified interface, including the DNS servers and domain.

Link 3 (ens33)
      Current Scopes: DNS
       LLMNR setting: yes
MulticastDNS setting: no
  DNSSEC NTA setting: yes
        DNSSEC mode: off
      DNS Queries: yes
       DNSSEC supported: no
     Current DNS Server: 8.8.8.8
             DNS Servers: 8.8.8.8, 8.8.4.4
         Current DNS Domain: example.com
          DNS Domains: example.com

3.4. Testing DNS Resolution

To test if the DNS resolution is working correctly, use the resolvectl query command followed by a domain name. For example:

resolvectl query google.com

This command queries the DNS server and displays the IP address of google.com. If the query is successful, it confirms that the DNS configuration is working.

4. Making DNS Configuration Persistent

One of the most common issues with systemd-resolved is that DNS settings are not always persistent across reboots. To ensure your DNS settings persist, you need to configure them properly.

4.1. Using Network Configuration Files

One method to ensure persistence is by configuring the network settings in the appropriate configuration files. These files depend on the distribution you are using.

4.1.1. For Ubuntu/Debian

Edit the /etc/network/interfaces file. Add the following lines for a static IP configuration:

auto ens33
iface ens33 inet static
    address 192.168.1.100
    netmask 255.255.255.0
    gateway 192.168.1.1
    dns-nameservers 8.8.8.8 8.8.4.4
    dns-search example.com

Restart the networking service:

sudo systemctl restart networking

4.1.2. For CentOS/RHEL

Edit the network configuration file for your interface, typically located in /etc/sysconfig/network-scripts/. For example, if your interface is ens33, edit ifcfg-ens33:

TYPE="Ethernet"
PROXY_METHOD="none"
BROWSER_ONLY="no"
BOOTPROTO="static"
IPADDR="192.168.1.100"
NETMASK="255.255.255.0"
GATEWAY="192.168.1.1"
DNS1="8.8.8.8"
DNS2="8.8.4.4"
DOMAIN="example.com"
NAME="ens33"
DEVICE="ens33"
ONBOOT="yes"

Restart the network service:

sudo systemctl restart network

4.2. Using netplan on Ubuntu

netplan is a network configuration tool used on newer versions of Ubuntu. To configure DNS settings using netplan, edit the appropriate YAML configuration file in /etc/netplan/. For example:

network:
  version: 2
  renderer: networkd
  ethernets:
    ens33:
      dhcp4: no
      addresses: [192.168.1.100/24]
      gateway4: 192.168.1.1
      nameservers:
          addresses: [8.8.8.8, 8.8.4.4]
          search: [example.com]

Apply the changes:

sudo netplan apply

4.3. Using systemd-networkd Directly

You can configure DNS settings directly using systemd-networkd. Create a network configuration file in /etc/systemd/network/. For example, 20-ens33.network:

[Match]
Name=ens33

[Network]
Address=192.168.1.100/24
Gateway=192.168.1.1
DNS=8.8.8.8
DNS=8.8.4.4
Domains=example.com

Enable and start systemd-networkd:

sudo systemctl enable systemd-networkd
sudo systemctl start systemd-networkd

And restart systemd-resolved:

sudo systemctl restart systemd-resolved

5. Advanced Configuration Options

For more advanced configurations, you can explore additional options provided by systemd-resolved. This includes configuring DNSSEC, fallback DNS servers, and more.

5.1. Configuring DNSSEC

DNSSEC (DNS Security Extensions) adds a layer of security to DNS by providing authentication of DNS data. To enable DNSSEC, you can modify the DNSSEC setting in the /etc/systemd/resolved.conf file.

sudo nano /etc/systemd/resolved.conf

Uncomment and modify the DNSSEC option:

DNSSEC=yes

Restart systemd-resolved:

sudo systemctl restart systemd-resolved

5.2. Setting Fallback DNS Servers

You can configure fallback DNS servers that systemd-resolved will use if the primary DNS servers are unavailable. Modify the /etc/systemd/resolved.conf file:

sudo nano /etc/systemd/resolved.conf

Add the FallbackDNS option:

FallbackDNS=1.1.1.1 9.9.9.9

Restart systemd-resolved:

sudo systemctl restart systemd-resolved

5.3. Using DNS Over TLS (DoT)

DNS over TLS encrypts DNS queries to protect them from eavesdropping and manipulation. To enable DoT, you can configure systemd-resolved to use TLS for DNS resolution. Modify the /etc/systemd/resolved.conf file:

sudo nano /etc/systemd/resolved.conf

Add the DNSOverTLS option:

DNSOverTLS=yes

Restart systemd-resolved:

sudo systemctl restart systemd-resolved

6. Troubleshooting Common Issues

While configuring DNS settings, you might encounter some common issues. Here are some troubleshooting tips to help you resolve them.

6.1. DNS Resolution Not Working

If DNS resolution is not working, first check that systemd-resolved is running correctly. Use the systemctl status systemd-resolved command to check its status. If it’s running, verify that the DNS servers are correctly configured using resolvectl status.

Also, ensure that there are no firewall rules blocking DNS traffic (port 53).

6.2. DNS Settings Not Persisting After Reboot

If your DNS settings are not persisting after a reboot, ensure that you have configured the settings in the appropriate network configuration files (e.g., /etc/network/interfaces, /etc/sysconfig/network-scripts/ifcfg-*, or /etc/netplan/).

Verify that the network service is enabled and starts automatically on boot:

sudo systemctl enable networking

Or:

sudo systemctl enable systemd-networkd

6.3. Conflicts with Other DNS Services

Conflicts can arise if other DNS services, such as dnsmasq or NetworkManager, are also running. Ensure that only one DNS service is active at a time. If necessary, disable or uninstall conflicting services.

To stop and disable dnsmasq:

sudo systemctl stop dnsmasq
sudo systemctl disable dnsmasq

To stop and disable NetworkManager:

sudo systemctl stop NetworkManager
sudo systemctl disable NetworkManager

However, disabling NetworkManager might affect your network configuration, so proceed with caution.

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8. Real-World Use Cases

Understanding how resolvectl set dns server can be applied in real-world scenarios can help you appreciate its versatility and usefulness.

8.1. Configuring DNS for a Web Server

Suppose you are setting up a web server and need to ensure reliable DNS resolution. You can use resolvectl set dns server to configure the DNS server for the network interface connected to the internet.

sudo resolvectl dns eth0 8.8.8.8 8.8.4.4
sudo resolvectl domain eth0 example.com

This ensures that your web server can resolve domain names correctly and that the DNS settings persist across reboots.

8.2. Setting Up DNS for a Development Environment

In a development environment, you might need to configure different DNS servers for different projects or virtual machines. resolvectl set dns server allows you to configure DNS settings dynamically for each interface.

For example, if you have a virtual machine with the interface vmnet1, you can set its DNS server to a specific internal DNS server:

sudo resolvectl dns vmnet1 192.168.10.10
sudo resolvectl domain vmnet1 dev.example.com

8.3. Configuring DNS for a VPN Connection

When using a VPN, you might want to use the VPN provider’s DNS servers to ensure privacy and security. You can use resolvectl set dns server to configure the DNS server for the VPN interface.

For example, if your VPN interface is tun0, you can set its DNS server to the VPN provider’s DNS server:

sudo resolvectl dns tun0 10.8.0.1

9. Expert Insights and Best Practices

To ensure you are using resolvectl set dns server effectively, consider these expert insights and best practices.

9.1. Keep Your System Updated

Regularly update your system to ensure you have the latest version of systemd-resolved and other system components. This helps to address security vulnerabilities and improve performance.

sudo apt update
sudo apt upgrade

Or:

sudo yum update

9.2. Monitor DNS Resolution

Monitor your DNS resolution to identify and address any issues promptly. You can use tools like ping, traceroute, and dig to monitor DNS resolution.

ping google.com
traceroute google.com
dig google.com

9.3. Use Reliable DNS Servers

Use reliable and reputable DNS servers, such as Google Public DNS (8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4) or Cloudflare DNS (1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1). These DNS servers offer high availability and performance.

9.4. Implement DNSSEC for Added Security

Implement DNSSEC to add a layer of security to your DNS resolution. This helps to prevent DNS spoofing and other attacks.

10. Future Trends in DNS Management

The field of DNS management is continuously evolving, with new technologies and trends emerging. Staying informed about these trends can help you optimize your DNS configuration and improve your network performance.

10.1. DNS Over HTTPS (DoH)

DNS over HTTPS encrypts DNS queries using the HTTPS protocol, providing enhanced privacy and security. DoH is gaining popularity as a way to protect DNS traffic from eavesdropping and manipulation.

10.2. DNS Over QUIC (DoQ)

DNS over QUIC is another emerging protocol that encrypts DNS queries using the QUIC transport protocol. DoQ offers similar benefits to DoH but with improved performance and efficiency.

10.3. Decentralized DNS

Decentralized DNS systems, such as Handshake and ENS (Ethereum Name Service), offer alternative approaches to DNS management. These systems use blockchain technology to provide secure and censorship-resistant domain name resolution.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions About resolvectl set dns server

Here are some frequently asked questions about using resolvectl set dns server:

Q1: What is resolvectl?

resolvectl is a command-line utility for querying and managing the systemd-resolved service, which provides network name resolution.

Q2: How do I set a DNS server using resolvectl?

Use the command sudo resolvectl dns <interface> <dns_server_ip> to set the DNS server for a specific network interface.

Q3: How do I verify the DNS configuration?

Use the command resolvectl status <interface> to display detailed information about the DNS configuration for the specified interface.

Q4: Why are my DNS settings not persistent?

Ensure that you configure the DNS settings in the appropriate network configuration files (e.g., /etc/network/interfaces, /etc/sysconfig/network-scripts/ifcfg-*, or /etc/netplan/).

Q5: Can I set multiple DNS servers?

Yes, you can specify multiple DNS servers by adding more IP addresses to the resolvectl dns command.

Q6: How do I set a DNS domain?

Use the command sudo resolvectl domain <interface> <domain_name> to set the DNS domain for a specific interface.

Q7: What is DNSSEC?

DNSSEC (DNS Security Extensions) adds a layer of security to DNS by providing authentication of DNS data.

Q8: How do I enable DNSSEC?

Modify the DNSSEC setting in the /etc/systemd/resolved.conf file and restart the systemd-resolved service.

Q9: What are fallback DNS servers?

Fallback DNS servers are used if the primary DNS servers are unavailable. You can configure them in the /etc/systemd/resolved.conf file.

Q10: How do I troubleshoot DNS resolution issues?

Check that systemd-resolved is running correctly, verify the DNS configuration, and ensure that there are no firewall rules blocking DNS traffic.

Configuring DNS servers using resolvectl set dns server and ensuring persistence across reboots is essential for maintaining reliable network connectivity. At rental-server.net, we are dedicated to providing you with the resources and solutions you need for optimal server management.

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