Read the article to learn more about Ad Blocking on OPNSense. As part of our Server Management Service, Bobcares provides answers to all of your questions.

Ad Blocking on OPNSense

OPNsense is an open-source firewall and routing platform built on FreeBSD that offers a number of security features, such as ad blocking, to help boost network security and enhance browsing. “OPNsense ad blocking” designates the OPNsense firewall and routing software actively preventing unwanted content and ads from appearing on web pages used by devices connected to the network.”

Let’s look into the details:

1. DNS-Based Blocking of Ads:

OPNSense uses DNS as the main tool to carry out ad blocking. A device connected to the network sends a DNS request to resolve the website’s domain name to an IP address when a user tries to access a website. These DNS requests are intercepted and examined by OPNsense.

2. Hosts file and DNS resolver:

An integrated DNS resolver in OPNsense is capable of managing DNS queries. It also stores a list of domain names linked to trackers, ad servers, and unwanted content in a local “hosts” file.

3. Unwanted Domain Blocking:

OPNsense stops the resolution of a domain name when it receives a DNS request for a name that matches an entry in its host file, indicating that the domain name is associated with unwanted content or an ad server. It returns a loopback address (127.0.0.1) or a custom IP address reserved for blocked domains, rather than the real IP address of the ad server.

4. Content and Ad Filters:

OPNsense populates its host file with a variety of lists of known trackers, ad server domains, and malicious websites. In order to ensure that the ad blocking is still effective, update these lists on a regular basis to include new domains that require blocking.

5. Personalised Blacklisting and Whitelisting:

By adding domains to a blacklist or whitelist, OPNsense enables admins to alter the blocking behaviour.

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Conclusion

OPNsense can stop pop-ups, advertisements, and tracking scripts from loading on network-connected devices by using DNS-based ad blocking. By clearing up clutter and speeding up page loads, this not only improves browsing but also shields users from security threats brought on by ad networks and malicious content.