mDNS (multicasting DNS) is a technology that allows devices to automatically find and connect to services, such as printers, file servers, or other devices, without the need for manual configuration or a centralized server.

mDNS operates on the principle of broadcasting domain-specific information over the local network, making it easier for users to set up and use networked devices without extensive technical knowledge or manual intervention. It's a key component in creating user-friendly and efficient local network experiences.

This has used particularly in Apple's ecosystem in what they codenamed "Bonjour" protocol. But it's also possible to make it available to other systems.

Windows

To enable support for Bonjour and Multicast DNS (mDNS) on a Windows computer, you typically need to install the Bonjour Print Services or Bonjour SDK (Software Development Kit). If you have access to winget you may run the below from the commandline:

pwsh winget install Apple.BonjourPrintServices

After installing and restarting the service, you can check if Bonjour is running on your system, by opening the Services application:

1. Press Win + R to open the Run dialog.
2. Type services.msc and press Enter.
3. Look for the service named either Bonjour Service or ##Id_String1.6844F930_1628_4223_B5CC_5BB94B879762## (old nomenclature).

If you are a developer or need to use Bonjour in your applications, you might want to install the Bonjour SDK. The SDK includes libraries and headers for developing software that uses Bonjour. Download and install the Bonjour SDK from the official Apple developer website if needed.

Linux

Suppot for mDNS/DNS-SD can be made available in Linux by running Avahi as a system service.

This might b included by default in some distributions, but if it's not, you may install in via your package manager, it might be named avahi-daemon or sometimes it migt be included as part of the nss-mdns package.

After installation, you can enable it through systemd as below:

sh sudo systemctl enable avahi-daemon

Synology NAS

To have a Synology NAS broadcast an mDNS domain, just enable it in the Web UI.

Control Panel -> File Services -> Advanced -> Bonjour