iodine
Self-HostedDNS tunneling tool for bypassing network restrictions
Overview
iodine enables IPv4 over DNS tunneling, allowing users to access the internet when HTTP/HTTPS or VPNs are blocked. It encapsulates IP packets in DNS queries/responses, routing traffic through a user-controlled DNS server. Deployable via command-line on Linux, macOS, and Windows; supports client/server modes with encryption for secure transfers. Lightweight and efficient, it’s ideal for restrictive networks where DNS is the only accessible protocol, offering a reliable workaround for blocked connections.
Self-Hosting Resources
Below is a reference structure for docker-compose.yml.
⚠️ Do NOT run blindly. Replace placeholders with official values.
version: '3'
services:
iodine:
image: <OFFICIAL_IMAGE_NAME>:latest
container_name: iodine
ports:
- "8080:<APP_INTERNAL_PORT>"
volumes:
- ./data:/app/data
restart: unless-stopped Key Features
- IPv4 over DNS tunneling
- Cross-platform command-line support
- Encrypted data transmission
Frequently Asked Questions
? Is iodine hard to install?
iodine uses command-line tools; installation requires setting up a server (with a domain and DNS records) and client. While no GUI exists, official docs provide clear steps for Linux (apt/yum), macOS (brew), and Windows, including compiling from source.
? Is iodine a good alternative to commercial VPNs?
It’s not a direct alternative but complements VPNs in restrictive networks where VPNs are blocked. Iodine works when DNS is accessible, though it has slower bandwidth than VPNs—ideal for emergency access.
? Is iodine completely free?
Yes! iodine is open source under the MIT License, so it’s free to use, modify, and distribute without any cost or subscription fees.
Top Alternatives
People Also Ask about iodine
Tool Info
Pros
- ⊕ Bypasses DNS-allowed restricted networks
- ⊕ Open source (MIT License)
Cons
- ⊖ Slower than VPN/HTTP tunnels
- ⊖ Requires own DNS server setup