Pre-requisites:

• Access to a server with PowerDNS installed.
• Root privileges or SSH access to the server.
• Basic knowledge of using SSH and text editors.

In this article, we will guide you through the process of enabling query logging in PowerDNS. This feature can help you troubleshoot DNS-related issues effectively.

What is PowerDNS?

PowerDNS is an open-source DNS server software that provides a robust, high-performance solution for managing DNS records. It supports various backends for storing DNS data, including traditional zone files, databases, and various cloud services. Here are some key features of PowerDNS:

• Flexibility: PowerDNS can be configured to use different backends for DNS data, allowing for easy integration with existing systems.
• Performance: It is designed to handle a large number of queries efficiently, making it suitable for high-traffic websites and applications.
• Extensibility: PowerDNS supports plugins and modules, enabling users to extend its functionality to meet specific needs.
• Advanced Features: It includes features like DNSSEC (Domain Name System Security Extensions) for enhanced security, load balancing, and geolocation-based DNS responses.

PowerDNS and cPanel Integration

Integrating PowerDNS with cPanel allows users to manage their DNS records directly from the cPanel interface, providing a seamless experience for website hosting and domain management. Key aspects of this integration include:

• User-Friendly Interface: cPanel provides an intuitive web interface that simplifies the management of DNS records, allowing users to easily add, modify, or delete records without needing to understand the underlying DNS mechanics.
• Automatic Updates: Changes made in cPanel, such as adding new domains or modifying existing records, are automatically reflected in PowerDNS, ensuring that DNS records stay up-to-date.
• Enhanced Control: Users can manage multiple domains and their associated DNS records from a single platform, making it easier to handle complex configurations.
• Support for Advanced Features: Through the integration, users can leverage PowerDNS's advanced features, such as DNSSEC and load balancing, directly from the cPanel interface.

Overall, the integration of PowerDNS with cPanel streamlines DNS management for users, providing both the power of a robust DNS server and the ease of use of a popular hosting control panel.

Steps to Enable Query Logging in PowerDNS

1. Log into Your Server:

   Access your server via SSH as the root user.

2. Edit the PowerDNS Configuration File:

   Open the main configuration file using your preferred text editor. The file is located at:

   /etc/pdns/pdns.conf

3. Enable Query Logging:

   Locate the following settings in the configuration file and uncomment them:

   log-dns-queries=yes
   loglevel=5

   Ensure that you save the changes before closing the editor.

4. Restart the PowerDNS Service:

   To apply the changes, restart the PowerDNS service by executing the following command:

   /scripts/restartsrv_pdns

5. Check the Logs:

   Once the steps above are complete, you can view the debug entries in the following log file:

   /var/log/messages

Important Note

Enabling query logging will result in a significant amount of logging activity, as PowerDNS will log all incoming DNS queries. It is recommended to use this feature solely for debugging purposes and disable it once the issues are resolved.

By following these steps, you can enable query logging in PowerDNS, allowing for effective troubleshooting of DNS-related issues. Remember to disable logging after your investigation to prevent excessive log generation.