pihole questions

[Donut417]

We all heard what Google is doing with Chrome as far as extensions and what this means for some ad blockers. Which I use two, Ghoestery and Ad Blocker Plus. However for a while now I have been consdering Pi Hole, for a couple of reasons. 

1) It reduces the strain on Chrome as a whole. 

2) It works on all of my devices 

3) It has a potential to add a layer of security to all of our devices

4) I hear blocking ads with Pi Hole can reduce data usage (We have a usage cap) 

 

BUT I have some concerns. Firstly we use Hulu Live for Video services as we dont have cable. I would imagine that they would block usage due to an ad blocker, so I need to know how easy is it to White List Domains? How easy is Pi hole to configure and reconfigure as needed? How often do I need to update Pi hole? What kind of hardware do I need? I was thinking Raseberry Pi, do I need the 3b+ model? I hear Pi hole runs very lite. So does that mean a kit with a simple case and power plug would work (No need for heatsinks and fans)? Also as far as data usage goes, how much could I save? 

[unijab]

theres a webgui that allows you to block or allow domains as you please.

[jj9987]

1 hour ago, Donut417 said:

BUT I have some concerns. Firstly we use Hulu Live for Video services as we dont have cable. I would imagine that they would block usage due to an ad blocker, so I need to know how easy is it to White List Domains? How easy is Pi hole to configure and reconfigure as needed? How often do I need to update Pi hole? What kind of hardware do I need? I was thinking Raseberry Pi, do I need the 3b+ model? I hear Pi hole runs very lite. So does that mean a kit with a simple case and power plug would work (No need for heatsinks and fans)? Also as far as data usage goes, how much could I save? 

Pi-hole simply blocks domains, that are known to provide advertising or even malware. It has a web GUI, where you can add additional lists for more blocking, but also whitelist or blacklist additional domains on your own, very simple. It could reduce data usage, as some of the advertising material is cut off, but not all of them. Can't give any numbers here though.

 

Installation is one line bash script in terminal (either with display or over SSH). Then you need to configure your network/router to start using Pi-Hole as the DNS server (or also DHCP, if you opt for that). Some basic network knowledge (what are DHCP and DNS, IP addresses) and very little command line understanding is needed. The domain lists are updated automatically by Pi-Hole, new Pi-Hole versions come generally around once every 1-2 months.

 

I run most of my network off a Raspberry Pi 2 - Pi-Hole doing DHCP and DNS, also running OpenVPN for outside access (don't need high speeds, therefore Pi is fine). Just get any of the normal Pi versions (2, 3, 3B+ etc), not the Zero or like that. At the very minimum you need Pi, a microSD card, microUSB power (or PoE hat if you wanna go that route, then you need 3B+) and a network cable. No heatsinks, no fans, nothing. Case is good to have to avoid accidental contacts and keeping most of the dust away.

[Donut417]

On 1/27/2019 at 12:38 PM, jj9987 said:

Pi-hole simply blocks domains, that are known to provide advertising or even malware. It has a web GUI, where you can add additional lists for more blocking, but also whitelist or blacklist additional domains on your own, very simple. It could reduce data usage, as some of the advertising material is cut off, but not all of them. Can't give any numbers here though.

 

Installation is one line bash script in terminal (either with display or over SSH). Then you need to configure your network/router to start using Pi-Hole as the DNS server (or also DHCP, if you opt for that). Some basic network knowledge (what are DHCP and DNS, IP addresses) and very little command line understanding is needed. The domain lists are updated automatically by Pi-Hole, new Pi-Hole versions come generally around once every 1-2 months.

 

I run most of my network off a Raspberry Pi 2 - Pi-Hole doing DHCP and DNS, also running OpenVPN for outside access (don't need high speeds, therefore Pi is fine). Just get any of the normal Pi versions (2, 3, 3B+ etc), not the Zero or like that. At the very minimum you need Pi, a microSD card, microUSB power (or PoE hat if you wanna go that route, then you need 3B+) and a network cable. No heatsinks, no fans, nothing. Case is good to have to avoid accidental contacts and keeping most of the dust away.

One last question. How much power does a Raspberry Pi use? I mean could I power it off the USB port of my Synology RT2600 AC ? 

[mynameisjuan]

2 hours ago, Donut417 said:

One last question. How much power does a Raspberry Pi use? I mean could I power it off the USB port of my Synology RT2600 AC ? 

Pi 2 uses 5v@2a and Pi 3 can pull 5v@2.5a both at full load with USB accessories. So look at the specs and see its max pull. So yes, its its just the Pi, no problem.

[jj9987]

16 hours ago, Donut417 said:

One last question. How much power does a Raspberry Pi use? I mean could I power it off the USB port of my Synology RT2600 AC ? 

13 hours ago, mynameisjuan said:

Pi 2 uses 5v@2a and Pi 3 can pull 5v@2.5a both at full load with USB accessories. So look at the specs and see its max pull. So yes, its its just the Pi, no problem.

Yeap, 5V@2A is the very maximum, so 10W. My Pi 2 uses 2.4W at most on boot and stays around 2.0W during use (there is no heavy load on it).