mDNS

Multicast DNS (mDNS) gives your server a <server-name>.local address on your LAN. The address is derived from your server name by lowercasing it, removing non-alphanumeric characters, and replacing spaces with hyphens. For example, a server named “My Cool Server” gets the mDNS address my-cool-server.local.

How It Works

mDNS resolves your server’s .local address to its LAN IP address without relying on a DNS server. Any device on the same local network can reach your server using this address.

Tip

The mDNS address is useful because your router may change your server’s IP address on the LAN. If that happens, the mDNS address will continue to work — even if you move or get a new router.

Limitations

mDNS only works on the local network. It does not work over VPN or the Internet. For remote access using a custom domain, see Private Domains.