How to Install Knot DNS on Ubuntu Server Latest

Knot DNS is an open-source high-performance authoritative DNS server that can be used to manage DNS zones and records. In this tutorial, we will cover the steps to install Knot DNS on an Ubuntu server.

Prerequisites

Before you start, ensure you have the following:

  • An Ubuntu server with the latest updates
  • A user account with sudo privileges

Step 1: Update Package Repository

Before installing Knot DNS, you must update the package repository in Ubuntu.

Run the following command to execute the update:

sudo apt-get update

Step 1 Update

Step 2: Install Knot DNS

Next, we'll move to install Knot DNS. Run the following command to install the package:

sudo apt-get install knot

Step 2 Knot Install

Step 3: Verify the Installation

After installation, you can check whether the Knot DNS service is running correctly.

Run the following command to query the Knot DNS service status:

sudo systemctl status knot

Step 3 Status check

You should receive output verifying that the Knot DNS service is running.

Step 4: Configure Knot DNS

In this step, we'll configure the Knot DNS server using a configuration file.

Run the following command to navigate to the Knot DNS configuration directory:

cd /etc/knot/

Step 4 CD Command

Then, let's copy the sample configuration file to create a new configuration file named 'knot.conf'.

sudo cp knot.sample.conf knot.conf

Step 4 Config File

Next, we'll edit the newly created file with our preferred editor. In this tutorial, we'll use nano.

sudo nano knot.conf

Step 4 Nano Command

Make the necessary changes in the configuration file, depending on the preferences of your DNS server.

Note: If the DNS server is deployed behind a firewall, you need to open port 53 and allow incoming traffic to the DNS service.

Step 5: Start the Knot DNS Service

Run the following command to start the Knot DNS service:

sudo systemctl start knot

Step 5 Start Service

To check if the service is running, issue the command below:

sudo systemctl status knot

Step 5 Check Service Status

If there is no error, it means that the service is now running.

Step 6: Enable Auto-Start

You can enable the Knot DNS service to start automatically after a reboot by running:

sudo systemctl enable knot

Step 6 Enable Auto-start

Conclusion

Congratulations! You have successfully installed Knot DNS on Ubuntu and configured it to work as an authoritative DNS server. You can now proceed to add DNS records by editing the configuration file or through command line utilities such as dig.