Shobhit Sharma
Posted on:April 20, 2023 at 12:00 AM

Pi-Hole and Wireguard VPN: Ad-Blocker for your network

In a world filled with technology, dodging annoying ads and staying safe online is a top priority. Luckily, there are two fantastic tools that can make your internet experience better than ever: Pi-Hole and Wireguard VPN.

Pi-Hole: Your Home Network’s Superhero

Imagine having a superhero for your home network—meet Pi-Hole. It’s like a guardian that resides on a small computer, such as a Raspberry Pi. Pi-Hole performs a magical task: it blocks ads and other unwanted stuff from infiltrating your devices. How does it work? By intercepting the secret knocks of pesky ads and trackers (known as DNS requests) and boldly declaring, “No entry!” This means a faster internet, fewer irritations, and enhanced privacy.

Wireguard VPN: A Sneak Peek

Wireguard VPN is your secret tunnel for internet traffic. It’s super speedy, ultra-secure, and incredibly user-friendly. When you connect to a public Wi-Fi network or one of those sketchy connections, Wireguard VPN steps in to hide your online activities, shielding them from prying eyes.

The Dynamic Duo

Let’s explore why Pi-Hole and Wireguard VPN make the perfect pair for a superior online existence:

1. Adieu, Annoying Ads:

With Pi-Hole diligently working at home, you can take its ad-blocking prowess wherever you go. When you connect to your Wireguard VPN, your devices have a chat with your trusty home Pi-Hole, even when you’re sipping coffee at a café. The result? No more ads, trackers, or sketchy business, even on public Wi-Fi.

Imagine zipping through web pages and watching videos without those intrusive pop-ups. It’s like giving your online experience a luxurious spa treatment!

2. Lockdown for Your Privacy and Security:

Wireguard VPN acts as your digital bodyguard. It wraps your data in an impenetrable cloak, ensuring hackers can’t sneak a peek at your online activities. Whether you’re shopping online or checking your bank account, your information remains confidential.

Now, combine that with Pi-Hole, and you’re not just safe; you’re also ad-free. It’s a powerful one-two punch against online annoyances and threats.

3. Home Network Access on the Go:

Here’s the icing on the cake: thanks to Wireguard VPN, you can access your home network from anywhere. Imagine wanting to check your smart thermostat or retrieve a file from your home computer while you’re out and about. Wireguard makes it happen securely. It’s like teleporting back to your cozy home network, no matter where you are.

The Caveats:

But hold on, there are a few things to keep in mind:

  • Gotcha 1: Configuration Complexity: Setting up Pi-Hole and Wireguard can be a bit tricky if you’re not tech-savvy. Be prepared to dive into tutorials or ask a tech-savvy friend for help.

  • Gotcha 2: Not All Ads Get Caught: Pi-Hole is excellent at blocking many ads, but some might slip through the cracks. Regular updates and tweaks to the settings can help keep them at bay.

  • Gotcha 3: Speed Matters: Using a VPN can sometimes slow down your internet speed. While Wireguard is faster than most, if you have a super slow connection, don’t expect lightning-quick speeds.

Getting Started

Ready to dive into the world of Pi-Hole and Wireguard VPN? Here’s what you’ll need:

  • A Raspberry Pi (or any other computer) to run Pi-Hole. I personally use 2 Raspberry Pi Ws for redundancy and updates. You can very well use a single Raspberry Pi W for your home network.
  • Install the Raspberry Pi OS on your SD card and boot up your device.
  • Set up internet access for the device. If you have a wireless-only device, check out this blog.
  • Connect to your Pi using ssh pi@ip.add.re.ss. Then, the following command will guide you through a step-by-step installation of Pi-Hole: 
    curl -sSL https://install.pi-hole.net | bash
  • During the setup, select the WireGuard option on the “Installation Mode” page.

In a Nutshell: Take Control of Your Online World

Pi-Hole and Wireguard VPN are like your trusty sidekicks, making your online life ad-free, safer, and more convenient. No more annoying ads, no more prying eyes on public Wi-Fi, and easy access to your home network.

Remember, there might be a few bumps along the way, but don’t let that discourage you. With a touch of patience and curiosity, you’ll master these tools and shape your online world just the way you want it to be.