How to Install PowerDNS on Ubuntu Linux
You install PowerDNS on Ubuntu Linux by following a straightforward command-line process to set up a powerful, open-source authoritative DNS server.
PowerDNS is a highly regarded DNS server known for its speed and adaptability, often integrating with databases for configuration management.
PowerDNS Authoritative Server version 4.9 installation on a modern Ubuntu LTS system is guided by this tutorial.
By the end, you’ll have a secure and efficient DNS infrastructure ready to manage your domain needs.
Install PowerDNS on Ubuntu by updating system resolvers, then installing the `pdns-server` and `pdns-backend-mysql` packages. Configure PowerDNS to connect to a MariaDB database, and then install the PowerDNS Admin web application.
Why use PowerDNS?
PowerDNS gives you complete control over your DNS infrastructure. PowerDNS offers a scalable solution for managing thousands of records, complete with a modern web interface. Once finished, you will have a professional DNS management system accessible right from your browser.
Install the MariaDB database server
MariaDB installation is the first step to securely store all your DNS records for PowerDNS. This database setup is crucial before you can configure PowerDNS to manage your domain information.
Once MariaDB is installed, open your terminal and connect to the database:
sudo mysql
Run these commands to create your database and user:
CREATE DATABASE pdns;CREATE USER 'pdnsadmin'@'localhost' IDENTIFIED BY 'your_secure_password';GRANT ALL PRIVILEGES ON pdns.* TO 'pdnsadmin'@'localhost';FLUSH PRIVILEGES;EXIT;Install PowerDNS
This section explains how to install PowerDNS on your Ubuntu system, the software that will handle all your DNS requests. We’ll also cover updating your system’s DNS resolver settings to point to a reliable DNS server like Google’s.
sudo resolvectl dns eth0 8.8.8.8sudo sed -i 's/#DNS=/DNS=8.8.8.8/' /etc/systemd/resolved.confsudo systemctl restart systemd-resolvedPowerDNS installation begins with configuring the system resolver. This step ensures that your Ubuntu system correctly identifies and uses PowerDNS for domain name resolution, preventing connectivity issues.
sudo apt update
sudo apt install pdns-server pdns-backend-mysql
Import the database structure:
sudo mysql -u pdnsadmin -p pdns < /usr/share/pdns-backend-mysql/schema/schema.mysql.sql
Configure PowerDNS
The PowerDNS configuration file requires database details for connection. You must add your database credentials within this file to ensure PowerDNS can access its data storage.
sudo nano /etc/powerdns/pdns.d/pdns.local.gmysql.conf
launch+=gmysql
gmysql-host=127.0.0.1
gmysql-user=pdnsadmin
gmysql-password=your_secure_password
gmysql-dbname=pdns
Install the PowerDNS Admin web application
The PowerDNS Admin web application easily manages your PowerDNS settings. To install the PowerDNS Admin web application, you must first install Python and Nginx. Then, set up the PowerDNS Admin folder and the application's virtual environment.
sudo apt install python3-venv python3-pip gunicorn nginx certbot python3-certbot-nginx
Set up the application folder and virtual environment:
sudo git clone https://github.com/ngoduykhanh/PowerDNS-Admin.git /var/www/html/pdns
cd /var/www/html/pdns
python3 -m venv venv
source venv/bin/activate
pip install -r requirements.txt
Run database migrations to prepare the app:
export FLASK_APP=powerdnsadmin/__init__.py
flask db upgrade
Configure PowerDNS and Nginx
Enable the API in /etc/powerdns/pdns.conf by adding:
api=yes
api-key=generate_a_very_long_random_string_here
Restart PowerDNS: sudo systemctl restart pdns
Configure Nginx to serve the site and secure it with HTTPS:
sudo certbot --nginx -d yourdomain.com
Start the Service
PowerDNS Admin starts the PowerDNS Admin application, ensuring the PowerDNS Admin software runs smoothly in the background as a service. This action reloads the system's service manager, then turns on and starts the PowerDNS Admin service.
sudo systemctl daemon-reload
sudo systemctl enable --now pdnsadmin
Open your browser to your domain name, log in, and enter the API key you generated earlier to finish the setup.
[Unit] [Service] [Install] [Unit] [Socket] [Install] [1] [10066] [2022-10-07 12:55:24 -0500] [10066] [INFO] [10066] [2022-10-07 12:55:24 -0500] [10066] [INFO] [10066] [2022-10-07 12:55:24 -0500] [10066] [INFO] [10067] [2022-10-07 12:55:24 -0500] [10067] [INFO] [1]
Where is the PowerDNS config file?
Location of pdns. conf. Default is /etc/powerdns.
Does PowerDNS have a GUI?
Poweradmin is an open source, friendly, and easy-to-use web GUI for PowerDNS that supports key features. With this feature-rich web application, you will be managing your DNS environment in no time flat.
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Richard
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Richard, a writer for Geek Rewind, is a tech enthusiast who loves breaking down complex IT topics into simple, easy-to-understand ideas. With years of hands-on experience in system administration and enterprise IT operations, he’s developed a knack for offering practical tips and solutions. Richard aims to make technology more accessible and actionable. He's deeply committed to the Geek Rewind community, always ready to answer questions and engage in discussions.
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