Network-wide DNS filtering with Pi-hole on a Raspberry Pi Zero
A Raspberry Pi Zero has one dedicated job in my network: running Pi-hole as a central DNS filter — small, low-power and independent of individual client devices.
Pi-hole is one of those projects where very small hardware can make a noticeable difference across an entire network. I run it on a Raspberry Pi Zero WH, filtering DNS requests centrally for devices on my home network.
Why it is interesting
For me, the interesting part is not the promise of making every advertisement disappear. It is the visibility: which devices contact which domains, which requests do I want to allow or block, and where are the deliberate limits of DNS-based filtering?
As a dedicated device, the Pi Zero is pleasantly uneventful. It needs little power, performs one clearly defined job and provides a practical entry point into DNS, local name resolution and network troubleshooting.
Why it stays
- very low hardware and power requirements
- central coverage for the home network
- transparent blocklists and exceptions
- practical introduction to DNS and networking fundamentals
- no software required on every individual client