blockyFast and lightweight DNS proxy as ad-blocker for local network with many features

blocky

Blocky is a fast and lightweight DNS proxy that acts as an ad-blocker for local networks, offering advanced DNS capabilities with minimal resource requirements. Written in Go, it provides a privacy-focused alternative to traditional DNS services while supporting modern protocols and extensive customization options.

Key Features

• Ad-Blocking and Filtering: Block DNS queries using external blocklists for ads and malware with per-client group customization and regex support
• Modern DNS Protocols: Support for DNS over UDP/TCP, DNS over HTTPS (DoH), and DNS over TLS (DoT) for secure communications
• Performance Optimization: Advanced caching, prefetching, and simultaneous upstream resolver usage to improve DNS resolution speed
• Advanced DNS Configuration: Custom DNS resolution, conditional forwarding, and upstream resolver definition per client group
• Security and Privacy: DNSSEC validation, configurable blocking lists with no hidden filtering, and random upstream resolver distribution
• Integration and Monitoring: Prometheus metrics, Grafana dashboards, database logging, REST API, and CLI tools for comprehensive monitoring

Use Cases

• Home Network Protection: Block ads and malware across all devices on a residential network with simple YAML configuration
• Parental Controls: Implement different filtering rules for different user groups like kids or smart home devices
• Network Performance: Reduce external DNS queries and improve resolution speed through intelligent caching and prefetching
• Privacy-Focused DNS: Distribute DNS traffic across multiple providers to prevent any single provider from profiling network activity

Who Is It For

Blocky is designed for homeowners, small business administrators, and self-hosted enthusiasts who want to control their network's DNS with an ad-blocker and advanced filtering. It's particularly well-suited for users running Raspberry Pi or other low-resource devices who need a lightweight yet feature-rich solution.