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DNS (Domain Name System) is the key to server infrastructure operation. It allows the companies to convert IP addresses to domain names so that users can communicate in messengers, send email, play games, visit various websites and interact with other services.
DNS hosting is a popular service that allows to manage websites and applications, redirect traffic to another server if the current one is unavailable, caсhe information for a more efficient network operation as well address other demands.
It is also important for hosting providers to allow their clients full access to available IP addresses. Some services (e.g. Email) require the data to be correct not only for domains, but also for PTR (Reverse DNS). As a rule, the domain is fully owned by the user, while the provider manages the zone with PRT records. This often forces the client to contact support in order to ensure that its required changes are incorporated.
For IT infrastructure owners, particularly CII, DNS servers are on the list of critical systems exposed to cyber-attacks – from phishing to cache poisoning. Security protocols are used to ensure server security.
The above tasks can be solved using dedicated software integrated to virtualization platform.
Interaction with DNS server from VMmanager virtualization platform: as-was/as-is
Previously a direct integration with PowerDNS (high-end open source DSN server) with was implemented in VMmanager. Its support has been terminated starting from version 2023.08.1. Now server operation from the platform is implemented through integration with DNSmanager 6.
DNSmanager includes build-in PowerDNS and provides the users with a web interface to manage the server. It also automates routine operations by solving tasks related to PRT records management. For instance, it automatically creates the required DNS zones and separate resource records for networks and not only for individual IP addresses. So overall, it makes user work simpler and accelerates server interaction.
DNSmanager may also be instrumental in user access differentiation – each user will work with its part of DNS server and address its tasks independently from others.
Besides, DNSmanager may be helpful for DNSSEC configuring (DNS protocol extension), which allows to protect infrastructure from external attacks thus solving the security issue.
How to migrate from PowerDNS to DNSmanager 6
If integration with PowerDNS has been configured in your VMmanager, then you need to do the following in order to start the new scenario:
- Download and install DNSmanager 6 according to the documentation.
- Go through DNSmanager initial setup procedure and create the first user.
- Configure VMmanager.
If there is a large number of PTR records (Reverse DNS), a significant amount of time will be required for synchronization – up to several minutes. In addition to reverse records, PowerDNS can also create regular records (A, AAAA, MX and other). To minimize downtime and not to lose records that have been manually crated in PowerDNS, you need to install DNSmanager with PowerDNS or migrate domains to the server with a panel, as described in the instructions.
Experience of others: FirstVDS were among the first one who implemented migration
Cloud provider FirstVDS has been using ISPsystem ecosystem products (BILLmanager and VMmanager) for a long time. Our platform address all demands of the company related to service provisioning to clients, including DNS hosting service.
Since VMmanager no longer supports direct integration with PowerDNS, FirstVDS have made a decision to migrate to DNSmanager. The provider wanted to migrate the data using their own resources, therefore, they contacted ISPsystem with a request to describe the process.
ISPsystem development team has prepared a detailed instruction that you can read by the link above. FirstVDS engineers followed the instruction to successfully implement migration and now operate DNS server using a new scenario and a usable web interface.
CEO of FirstVDS
“We would like to thank ISPsystem development team for their assistance in implementing seamless migration to DNSmanager. Owing to a step-by-step instruction, we managed to implement the project using our own resources and faced no issues or errors when doing it. We can already observe positive changes: DNS service connection speed has increased noticeably, which benefits other processes that are important both for us and our clients”.