Why Pi-hole when you can RouterOS adlist?

Introduction

This tutorial guides you through the new adlist feature in RouterOS, which allows you to block unwanted web content using URL lists. Introduced in version 7.15, this feature provides an alternative to using Pi-hole for ad blocking directly from your MikroTik router. By following these steps, you'll learn how to effectively set up and manage adlists to enhance your network's browsing experience.

Step 1: Access RouterOS

• Connect to your MikroTik router using Winbox or SSH.
• Ensure you are running RouterOS version 7.15 or later. You can check your version by navigating to the "System" menu and selecting "Packages."

Step 2: Configure DNS Settings

• Go to the "IP" menu and click on "DNS."
• In the DNS settings, ensure that you have the DNS server configured. If not, add your preferred DNS servers (e.g., Google's 8.8.8.8).

Step 3: Add Adlists

• Navigate to the "IP" menu, then select "DNS."
• Click on the "Adlists" tab.
• To add a new adlist, click on the "+" button.
• In the dialog that appears, enter the URL of the adlist you want to use. For example, you might use popular adlists like the ones available on GitHub or from community sources.
• Click "OK" to save the adlist.

Step 4: Apply the Adlist

• Make sure that the adlist you added is enabled. You can check this in the "Adlists" tab.
• After enabling the adlist, RouterOS will automatically start blocking the domains listed in the adlist.

Step 5: Monitor and Update

• Regularly check the "Adlists" tab to ensure that the URLs are still valid and the lists are up-to-date.
• Consider adding multiple adlists to enhance blocking effectiveness, but be cautious of performance impacts.

Practical Tips

• Use reputable adlists to avoid false positives that could block legitimate websites.
• If you are experiencing issues, check the logs under the "Log" menu for any blocked requests.

Common Pitfalls

• Ensure that your router has adequate processing power to handle DNS queries, especially if using multiple adlists.
• Be aware that some adlists may require additional configuration depending on their source.

Conclusion

By implementing the adlist feature in RouterOS, you can efficiently block unwanted ads and content directly from your MikroTik router. Regularly update your adlists and monitor their performance to maintain an optimal browsing experience. Explore various adlists available online to find the best fit for your network needs. For further enhancements, consider looking into additional RouterOS features that complement ad blocking.