Knowledgebase

Overview

PowerDNS Manager is a versatile WHMCS addon and server module enabling full-featured DNS management for your domains and hosting products via a PowerDNS authoritative server. It supports both domain- and service-based DNS provisioning, automates life-cycle actions, and provides a seamless experience for admins and clients.

Features

• Automatic DNS Zone Creation & Deletion for domains and hosting products
• Configurable DNS zone and record provisioning per product/service
• Admin & Client DNS Management from the WHMCS UI
• SOA serial auto-increment for proper DNS propagation
• Audit logs for all key actions and errors
• Modern, responsive UI for easy searching and management
• Localization support and customizable language files
• PowerDNS master-slave compatibility
• Granular permissions and security
• Support for A, AAAA, CNAME, MX, TXT, SRV, CAA, NS records

Requirements

• WHMCS 8.9 or later
• PowerDNS (Authoritative) with API enabled
• PHP 7.4+
• cURL PHP extension

Installation

1. Upload the Module
   • Copy the powerdns_manager directory to modules/addons/.
   • Copy the powerdns_manager directory to modules/servers/ for product/service integration.
2. Activate the Addon
   • In WHMCS Admin, go to Setup > Addon Modules.
   • Activate "PowerDNS Manager".
3. Configure the Addon
   • Enter your license key, PowerDNS API details, server name, and default nameservers.
4. Configure Products/Services (Server Module)
   • In Setup > Products/Services > Edit Product > Module Settings, select PowerDNS Manager as the module.
   • Ensure the product/service is set to require a domain (in the Details tab). The module will always use the domain from the order for the DNS zone.

Usage

For Admins

• Manage All Zones:
  Access the PowerDNS Manager from the Addons menu to view, sync, and manage all DNS zones across domains and services.
• Associate/Sync Zones:
  Use the interface to bulk associate existing domains/services or synchronize with the PowerDNS server.
• Audit & Troubleshooting:
  Use the WHMCS Activity Log to investigate all DNS actions and errors.

For Clients

• DNS Management for Services:
  Clients can manage DNS for their hosting/product directly in the client area if the product uses the PowerDNS Manager server module.
• DNS Management for Domains:
  DNS management is also available for registered/transferred domains if enabled.

Server Module: Product/Service Integration

The server module enables automatic DNS zone management for hosting products. Here's how it works:

• On Product Creation:
  • A zone is created (or associated if it exists) for the service's domain.
• On Product Termination:
  • The DNS zone is deleted from PowerDNS and disassociated in WHMCS.
• Client Area Integration:
  • Clients can manage DNS records for their product using a modern, user-friendly template from the Product Details page.

Automation & Life-cycle Hooks

• CreateAccount: Creates (or associates) DNS zone for the product/service on provisioning
• TerminateAccount: Deletes/disassociates DNS zone on product termination
• ClientArea: Provides DNS management interface for the service
• Custom Actions: Handles add/edit/delete DNS record actions securely

Security

• API keys and sensitive details are never exposed to users.
• All actions are permission-checked.
• Only allowed record types can be managed.

Troubleshooting

• Check the WHMCS Activity Log for all PowerDNS Manager actions and errors.
• If DNS zones or records aren't created, verify your product module settings and addon configuration.
• For license or API errors, double-check your credentials in the addon configuration.

Licensing

You must have a valid license key.
Purchase or manage your license at ArkHost.

Support

For support or feature requests, please contact ArkHost Support.

File Structure

• modules/addons/powerdns_manager -- Addon module core, admin/client UI
• modules/servers/powerdns_manager -- Server module for product/service integration
• lib/PowerDNSAPI.php -- PowerDNS API wrapper
• templates/ -- Smarty templates for admin/client
• lang/ -- Language files

Copyright © ArkHost

For full technical documentation, see the included README or contact ArkHost Support.