Dnsmasq

Dnsmasq is a simple DHCP/DNS server which can be used in a local network of up to a 1000 clients. Key features are easy configuration and a small system footprint.

Installation
The installation of Dnsmasq is simple; emerge, start the service, and optionally add the service to your default runlevel.

Configuration
A common sample configuration is listed below. Many more configuration options are available; the installed /etc/dnsmasq.conf file contains the full (commented) list of options. After editing, the service should be restarted for the changes to take effect.

Maintenance
Some maintenance tasks are explained below.

Resetting Leases
When switching network cards you will want to update the MAC adress of a certain IP adress in your configuration. However you might not get the intended IP, because it was leased to the old MAC adress. The correct way to handle this is to stop the service, edit the leases file at /var/lib/misc/dnsmasq.leases, and start the service.