Pihole works, adguard partially works. What am I missing?

I tried hosting adguard as a standalone service and as a docker container. It only works on some devices and isn’t very effective in ad blocks even after adding several block lists.

Tried setting up pihole as a service and it instantly worked on all my devices.

Internet dns - 1.1.1.1

Dhcp dns - server ip, failover to 1.1.1.1

  • Docker logs doesn’t show any errors
  • Adguard live logs do capture allowlist and blocklist from like 2 devices but all other devices are using cloudflare dns.
  • nslookup picks 1.1.1.1, when i force server ip, adguard dns is still able to resolve

The devices where adguard dns is picked - Macbook on wifi, server on lan.

Devices forcing cloudflare - phones, windows pc.

On chrome i have disabled secure dns and morever with pihole it works.

I had similar issues. First I disabled ipv6, as it did not work properly with docker/adguardhome.

WAN side DNS, I gave my server ip, Mullvad DNS as backup. LAN side I gave only server ip, with no back up. Ensured all clients got their new dhcp leases. Worked for me. Though not really sure if it would have failed over to Mullvad if my dns server was down. But all clients were reporting to AGH.

Eventually, I did not bother tracking, and enabled ipv6, encrypted DNS, DoH to Mullvad, controld and adguard ad blocking options, and let it run on autopilot.

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I am actually interested in using this at home. What device are you using for this? and does this work with normal airtel fiber connection?

I have one old rasberry pi that will appear once I finish my diwali cleaning.

You can run the docker container on pretty much anything. Pi , or even beefy routers, or low power servers. I run mine on a workstation pc/media server that stays on nearly 24*7. Works on all ISPs, provided your router allows changing DNS. If it doesn’t, it’s likely a shit router, and time to replace it :slight_smile: However, if you are new to this and want to try out, may be just look at nextdns to see if this is something you want in the cloud, or prefer self hosting.

this is what was causing ads to be show up in Chrome.

also turn off “Private DNS” in network and internet settings.

I did turn all that off. When i override the ad guard ip in internet options it’ll work, but by default it seems to want to pick cloudflare

Gonna try this tonight. Thanks

I’m using a mini pc, M720q that I bought on TE few weeks ago. It uses very minimal resources and you can use it on raspberry pi just fine. It should work with airtel fibre too.

Airtel Routers are now pretty locked down.
Earlier I had raspberry pi setup with pihole on that router.

After I moved places, the Airtel router had issues connecting the network and the folks had to reset the router which removed my DHCP server config and static IP mappings.

Now, when trying to access the router configuration page none of the pages allow modifications.

Also, Airtel technical support team is shit in terms of supporting this use-case.

I am currently using my own personal router(double NAT’ed not ideal but it works) where I can control my network configuration.

Incase you still have the urge to wrestle full control of your internet:

  • Get a onu sfp stick from @Pauljacob and a tplink mc220L + your router

Or

  • Get a tplink XC220-G3v or XX530v depending on your budget
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Does anyone have a write up for the setup?

I am currently looking out to replace my networking equipment as I am having issues with the Airtel router with signal coverage and their B.S. on not allowing customer to manage local network config.

@Pauljacob , and others who have experience please do share your setup and recommendations.
I would like to connect with you guys and get a decent replacement for my local networking setup.

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I’m curious too, I’ve been reading about this for a couple of years now but never saw anyone doing a-b comparisons with before/after tests.

I like Pi-Hole as I can create local DNS entries and makes it easier for me manage various services on my local network.

I did try to use AdGuard but somehow I did not find the UI intuitive, but that may be my problem.

Folks can share their experiences.