Specifying an Internal (LAN) DNS Server in Netgear DGND3700 (N600) router

Question

I have a DNS server running on a linux machine on my LAN which has domains for a few devices in my LAN. The resolve.conf file has google and the isp nameservers in it, as well as itself. Dunno if that helps or hinders but this setup has worked for years.

I used to have a Thomson 585 ADSL router where I set the internal DNS Server as the primary DNS and the ISPs DNS server as the secondary. True enough all connected devices could access domains specified in the internal DNS.

Recently I had to replace the Thomson router with a Netgear DGND3700 (N600) ADSL router. The problem is that if I specify the internal DNS server in this router, I lose internet connection as well as connection to the router itself.

Does anyone know how I can use the internal DNS as the primary in the router?

Answer 1

I don't have the answer, but I have the same problem. I just got off the phone with NetGear tech support. The technician wanted to help, but isn't a network engineer and really doesn't understand the difference between and function of an internal LAN DNS versus the ISP's DNS. This router will have to get returned if I can't get the answer.

Addendum half hour later: I just got off the phone with another NetGear technician. Not a lot more knowledgeable on IP networking, but he did tell me that this modem/router (DGND3700) does not support entering internal LAN DNS IP addresses to its DHCP service, citing that "This is a home router, not a business router". Although this is for my home, I suppose I must admit that most people probably don't have a DNS on their home network.

Although this seems like a good modem and switch, don't buy it for serious networking.