DNS Manager For WHMCS

About DNS Manager For WHMCS

DNS Manager For WHMCS is fully featured addon module that allows your customers to manage their DNS zones. A great choice of submodules together with options such as creating ready packages make DNS Manager for WHMCS perfectly adapt to your specific needs. As an administrator you have full control over DNS zones and access to broad range of management options. Wiki of DNS Manager For WHMCS 1.9.10 can be found here.

• Admin Area Features:

✔ Define DNS Servers

✔ Define Packages

✔ View And Edit Existing Zones

✔ Migrate Zones Between Chosen Servers

✔ Import Zones From Chosen Server

✔ Define DNS Records Set

✔ Set Up Automated Tasks And Execution Time

✔ Select Default Client Area Template

✔ Allow To Create PTR Record Without DNS Zone

✔ Toggle Administrator Notifications And Choose Who Send Them To

✔ Modify Notifications Email Templates

✔ Define Logs And Notifications Settings

✔ View Details And Notifications Related To Zones And Servers Load

✔ View Information About Automated Tasks

✔ View Scheduled Tasks Progress

✔ Display Usage Of DNS Servers

✔ View Email Notifications Statistics

✔ View Logs

• Client Area Features:

✔ View List Of Owned Packages

✔ Add And Manage New Zones Within Package Limit

✔ Add And Manage Zones Records Within Records Limits

✔ Add And Manage PTR Records Without DNS Zone

✔ Toggle DNSSEC For Zone

✔ View DNSSEC Details Of Zone

✔ Restore Zone From DNS Records Set

✔ View Zones Limit Per Package

✔ View DNS Records Limits Per Zone

• Automation Features:

✔ Provision Packages

✔ Migrate Zones

✔ Import Zones

✔ Clear Unused Zones

✔ Clear Logs

• Server Settings:

✔ Allow rDNS

✔ Enable DNSSEC

✔ Allow Multiple PTR

✔ Use Cache To Optimize Loading Time

✔ Define Nameservers

• Package Settings:

✔ Define Zones Limit Per Package

✔ Define Items (Products/Domains/Products Addons) Purchase Of Which Results In Receiving Package

✔ Define If Single Instance Of Package Should Be Assigned To Each Client

✔ Define Servers Used By Package

✔ Define Allowed Record Types

✔ Define Total Records Limit

✔ Define Record Limits Per Type

✔ Define Automation Settings For Creating First Zone

✔ Assign Default DNS Records Set

✔ Allow Client To Restore Zone Using Chosen DNS Records Sets

✔ Introduce DNS Management Functionality If Domain Registrar Does Not Support It By Default

✔ Toggle Client And Administrator Notifications

• Supported DNS Servers:

✔ 4PSA

✔ AtomiaDNS

✔ cPanel & cPanel DNSOnly

✔ DirectAdmin (DNSSEC Support)

✔ DNS Made Easy

✔ DNS Pod

✔ DNS.com

✔ DynDNS

✔ EuroDNS

✔ Freenom

✔ Nettica

✔ OpenSRS

✔ Plesk

✔ PowerDNS (DNSSEC Support)

✔ PowerDNS Hosted

✔ Rackspace

✔ Rage4 DNS

✔ RRPProxy

✔ SimpleDNS

✔ Storm On Demand

✔ Zonomi

• Supported DNS Record Types:

✔ A

✔ AAAA

✔ AFSDB

✔ CNAME

✔ DNAME

✔ DS

✔ HINFO

✔ ISDN

✔ LOC

✔ MB

✔ MD

✔ MF

✔ MG

✔ MINFO

✔ MR

✔ MX

✔ NAPTR

✔ NS

✔ PTR

✔ RP

✔ SOA

✔ SRV

✔ TXT

✔ WKS

✔ X25

• General Info:

✔ IDN Zones Supported

✔ AJAX Loaded Pages In Admin Area

✔ Template Customization Support

✔ Integrated With IP Manager For WHMCS - Complete Management of IP Subnets (read more)

✔ Connect With DNS Manager Using Its API

✔ Multi-Language Support

✔ Supports PHP Up To 5.6

✔ Supports WHMCS Templates Five and Six

✔ Supports WHMCS V6 and V7

Installation

In this short tutorial we will show you how to successfully install DNS Manager For WHMCS. We will guide you step by step through the whole installation process.

1. Log in to your client area and download DNS Manager For WHMCS.

2. Upload and extract the module into the main WHMCS directory. Files in your WHMCS directory should look like these.

3. When you install DNS Manager for the first time you have to rename 'license_RENAME.php' file. File is located in 'modules/addons/dns_manager/license_RENAME.php.' Rename it from 'license_RENAME.php' to 'license.php'.

4. In order to configure your license key you have to edit a previously renamed 'license.php' file. Enter your licence key between quotation marks as presented on the following screen. You can find your license key in your client area → 'My Products'.

5. This steps is required only if you are using WHMCS V5.x.x Open your currently used template: yourWHMCS → Templates → Default → header.tpl Find line (usually it is line no 66): <li class="divider"></li> Insert this code snippet above that line: <li><a href="index.php?m=DNSManager2">DNS Manager</a></li> Correctly inserted code should look like these:

Note! There is no integration required for WHMCS V6.x.x!

6. Now you have to activate the module in your WHMCS system. Login to your WHMCS admin area. Click 'Setup' then choose 'Addon Modules'. Afterwards, find 'DNS Manager' and press 'Activate' button.

7. In the next step you need to permit access to this module. To do so click on 'Configure' button, choose 'Full Administrator' and press 'Save Changes'.

9. Good job! You have just successfully installed DNS Manager For WHMCS! Now in your WHMCS system press 'Addons' then press 'DNS Manager'.

Configuration and Management

This section has been divided into two main parts to allow full and, at the same time, easy understanding of the whole module functionality. In the first part 'Basic Configuration' an exemplary flow of basic configuration of servers, through creating packages and then zones management from both the client and the administrator side has been presented. In the second part, there are described additional settings and tools that can be used while working with DNS Manager For WHMCS.

Basic Configuration

In the first place we would like to show you the process of configuring your DNS manager on a simple example. Follow the steps below to see how the process looks like in practice. Proceed to 'Addons' → 'DNS Manager'. There are several sections, but the one that you should be interested in the most in the beginning is named 'Servers', you will find it under 'Settings' tab.

Servers Configuration

To start your work, add a new server.

To add a new server you must fill out some data to allow connection with it. As an example, we will try to connect with cPanel server. Additionally, you may declare here whether you need rDNS, Multiple PTR or Cashe. Select the chosen options. Please note, that there is also option Enable DNSSEC available. However, it is currently compatible only with DirectAdmin and PowerDNS submodules. DNSSEC (DNS Security Extensions) - allows enabling validation and authentication of the origin and integrity of DNS data. If you enable this option, the client will be allowed to turn on DNSSEC for a zone and display its DNSSEC-related details accordingly.

Once you have chosen a server from the dropdown menu, 'Configuration' and 'Nameservers' tabs appear. Enter your username, password, Hostname/IP and any other details needed to connect successfully. Now, press 'Nameservers' and enter the nameservers that will be visible for your customers in their client area. Before you save the changes remember to test the connection. Please also note that the configuration differs per selected submodule!

Now, that you have a ready server on the list of servers you may manage it. Turn it on/off, edit or delete.

Management of Packages

Packages - these are sets of products that will be sold and within which zones can be created by a client. 'Add' a new package to see how to configure it and what exactly you may specify there.

In general section you must obviously name the newly created package and define the number of zones per item (limit of zones that a client may then create within this package). Here, you can also decide if zones should be created automatically after defined actions. These are: New Item Pending Transfer Domain Pending Registration Domain Domain with DNS Management

Items

Assign Domains, Products or/and Product Addons from available to the package. Here you can also allow clients to create their own free zones. Simply select option under 'Other' section. Remember that you may use this option for one package only.

Servers

Assign the package to the previously added server. Note! You may always assign the package to more than one server.

Record

In this part you may define which type of records you want to allow, declare their limit and choose record sets.

Registrars

In this part, you may allow 'DNS Management ' option to selected here registrars that do not support DNS management by default.

Please note that the inbuilt WHMCS DNS Management will be used to handle the above functionality.

Notification

In the last part you may configure which notification will be sent to clients and administrators. Do not forget to 'Add' the newly configured package.

Enable the newly created package to allow it to be used!

DNS Management in Client Area

Now, that we already have the module configured you may see how clients will add and then manage their zones. In client area find button 'DNS Management', it will redirect you to the management page.

New Zones

In here, clients may add new zones. To do so, simply type in the name of the zone and choose IP address from the available or enter your custom IP. It depends on your configuration - read more about possible options here.

Allowed actions on a zone: edit existing zone (1) delete zone (2) create zone on the server (3)

Press 'Edit' to see details of the zone, you may edit the zone here and add new records if limits allow you.

Enter new record's name, choose type from available etc.

Enable DNSSEC

If 'Enable DNSSEC' option has been selected ('DirectAdmin' and 'PowerDNS' submodules), client may turn it on. To do so, press 'DNSSEC' button.

Enable DNSSEC here, you will then get access to DNNSSEC details for the zone, including keys and delegation signer records. Press 'Rectify Zone' to comply with DNSSEC.

Add rDNS Records

If you have enabled 'Standalone rDNS' option (read more here) in global settings, your clients can create PTR records for IPv4 and IPv6 addresses without any related zone. To do so press 'Manage Reverse DNS'.

Find and press 'Add PTR' button.

Select related item, then depending on the configuration enter IP address or choose IP or Subnet from the available list. Note! Subnets are available only if you have integrated your DNS Manager with IP Manager For WHMCS - see below options for more details.

You newly created rDNS record should appear on the list. You may edit RDATA or delete the record completely.

Zones Management

In administrator panel, there are visible all clients' zones. As an admin, you will see whose zone it is, its type, on which server it is created and its status (created/deleted).

Actions on zones from the admin area: change related item - choose one from a dropdown menu of available items and save changes edit zone create - use this button to create zone on the server delete - if you use this button, zone will be deleted both from WHMCS and from the server remove from WHMCS - zone will still be available on the server

Additional Tools

DNS Records Sets

Create ready made sets of DNS records. You will find them in 'Settings' → 'DNS Records Sets'. Press 'Add Set' to create a new one.

Enter the newly created set name and then choose records from the dropdown menu, press '+'.

Now, fill out the data as required. Note: You may add adequate variables for domain and IP address and then these fields will be automatically changed to domain/zone IP when this record set is used. All you have to do is add the following variable in DNS Records Set: For domain: {$domain} For IP address: {$ip}

Created DNS Records Sets can be then used while preparing ready packages, as it was described. Ready made sets allow much faster and more personal configuration of packages.

Global Settings

This section has been designed to allow quick and simple configuration of global settings from one place.

Templates

Choose a default template that will be used in client area. If you have more than one template then you may allow your clients switch between them. Decide whether you wish to use ready-configured redirection to DNS Management page in client area.

Notifications

In this part, set which notification should be sent to clients and which to administrator. Select the ones that interest you. Press 'Modify' and you will be quickly redirected to the email template page where you can adjust it to your needs.

Use 'Exclude' button to specify domains, products and addons that zones assigned to them will NOT be included in notifications.

Use 'Include' button to specify which admin users notifications will be sent to.

Logs And Notifications

In this part you may impose when log entries and notifications should be removed from the system database. If you wish you may also check option 'Log Successful Actions' to store all entries in logs (DNS Manager → Settings → Logs).

Other

Box with 'Other' options available is a crucial part of configuration where you can manage IP Manager For WHMCS module integration and manage PTR records creation. Besides, here you can switch off the guide with simple instructions visible on dashboard.

Standalone rDNS - Create PTR records for IPv4 and IPv6 addresses without a related zone. If this option is enabled your clients will be allowed to add reverse DNS with no zone related. To do so proceed to 'Manage DNS' → 'Manage Reverse DNS' in your client area.

Related Service IPs Only - create zones and PTR records with a related IP address only. When adding a new zone/PTR record you can choose from available hosting related IP addresses only as marked on the screen below.

Owned Domains Only - restrict clients to manually create zones using their own domains only.

Custom Subnet IP - create zones and PTR records with an IP address included in a subnet related to the product. Note! This option works only if you have integrated your DNS Manager with IP Manager For WHMCS.

revDNS Custom IP - create PTR records with a custom IP, enter a new IP address to create a new PTR. Note! Both IPv4 and IPv6 are supported by DNS Manager For WHMCS.

Custom IP - create zones with a custom IP, you have no IP addresses to choose from, you have to enter a new IP address. Note! Both IPv4 and IPv6 are supported by DNS Manager For WHMCS.

Cron Jobs

In order to manage your cron job tasks proceed to 'Tools' → 'Cron'. Here, you will find four information boxes, each one responsible for management of a separate cron task. These are: migration, import, synchronization and cleaner.

At the very top, there is an info box with general cron details, such as recommended time interval of cron execution (5 minutes is suggested), the last execution time and run time period. (Keep it as frequent as possible!)

Cron Migration - responsible for calling added tasks to migrate zones between servers. Choose interval and declare how many zones can be migrated during a single execution. Cron Importer - responsible for calling added task to import zones from an external server to WHMCS. Choose interval and declare how many zones can be imported during a single execution. Select option to automatically check recognized records to perform the import much faster. Cron Synchronization - this cron job is responsible for regular synchronization of created zones. Choose interval and declare how many zones can be synchronized during a single execution.

Cron Cleaner - this option is a little bit more complex. Just like in case of other cron jobs, firstly choose interval and declare how many zones shall be cleared during a single execution. Then you may specify conditions of clearing zones and records. Zones are removed: if no longer match with any package have not been modified for a specified period of time their domain is not found in WHOIS Lookup no records are included PTR Records are removed: if service is terminated or canceled

Import

Import - this is an additional tool that allows import of zones that exist on outside servers to WHMCS. Move to Tools' → 'Import' in your admin panel. You will find here a list of Import assignments with information on which server they are imported from, total number of already imported zones and the number of all zones, progress of import task. To add a new import task press 'Add Import'.

Choose server that you want to import zones from.

Now, when the new import task appeared on the list of awaiting imports, schedule the import.

When schedule is confirmed, preview the list of imported zones to assign a client and a related product to the zone. To do so, press the button as marked on the screen.

A list of zones appears. DNS Manager Import tool detects which client and product a domain and IP address is assigned to and automatically assigns related client and product to migrate. You can also do it manually by selecting client and product from the list of available. When ready press 'Import Zones' to import several zones at once or use action buttons for single import.

If you do not schedule import tasks, regular cron execution will trigger the import. However, you always have to make sure that selected zones are assigned to related clients and products.

Migration

'Migration' is another useful tool that you may use to manage zones efficiently. With this tool you may migrate zones between servers. Keep in mind, that when you are migrating zones from one server to another they are not imported to your WHMCS in the meantime! If you wish to update the list of migrated zones, you will have to import them to WHMCS from the final server after migration. Remember that migrated zones are available on both servers now! Migration does not delete zones, just copy them to the new server!

To add migration task, press 'Add migration', specify from which server you wish to migrate zones, and the target server, as simple as that. Note! Migration does not copy DNS Manager settings, to illustrate: if you are migrating zones that exist in DNS Manager their locations for example are not updated.

Schedule the migration. Remember to confirm the action.

Move to the list of zones to assign clients and products. Press button marked on the screen.

Select zones and 'Migrate Zones' for mass migration or use action buttons next to single zones.

Tasks

You will find a list of current tasks in 'Tools' → 'Tasks' section. Among all tasks there are import tasks, migration and synchronization tasks.

According to specifically set-up cron jobs all created tasks are regularly executed. Here, you can see current status of each task. If it is queuing for the next cron run, is currently executed, aborted or complete. Check when they were executed for the last time (Last Execution) and when the task was added. Available actions: call execution manually and remove the task.

Dashboard

Home page of DNS Manager which can be used to get a quick and clear preview on the crucial parts of the module: added servers with number of zones created on them, summary of email messages sent to clients and finally the most important notifications.

Custom cPanel Zone Templates

You can allow your customers to create zones without cPanel Default Records. To do so you need to create your own Zone Template in the WHM. If you don't know how to create your own Zone Template you can follow this short guide made by cPanel: Edit Zone Templates Guide To apply your newly created zone template simply log in to your WHMCS and go to 'Addons' → 'cPanel Extended Functions' → 'Configuration'. As a module choose 'cPanel' and enter the name of your zone template in 'Template' field as shown on the screen below. Remember to save the changes.

DNS Manager Logs

Logs help you keep track of all the activities carried out in DNS Manager. Find them here: 'Settings' → 'Logs'.

IP Manager For WHMCS Integration

As it has been mentioned above, some of the options in our DNS Manager For WHMCS are available if you are also using IP Manager For WHMCS simultaneously. In this section you will learn how to integrate the two products to work together. Let us take a look at the IP Manager module firstly. There you have to create a subnet.

You can do it ether for IPv4 or IPv6 type. DNS Manager For WHMCS supports both types.

When ready, create a proper configuration and assign required products to it.

Assign created subnet to this configuration.

Under 'Relations Configuration' → 'Products' define the number of IP addresses that will be allowed for a client. By default this is only one address.

Move to DNS Manager now and create an appropriate package where you declare limits for zones, select the product and allow records types and limits that will be provided within the purchased service.

Now, a client upon purchase of such service may now use assigned IP addresses from the subnet and manage the dns zones and rdns zones according to limits specified in the package.

Client may now add PTR records within the related service.

Create zones with IP addresses included in a subnet related to a service in IP Manager.

You only need to remember that relevant options must be enabled in 'General Settings' section.

DNS Manager Migrator

If you have been already using DNS Manager For WHMCS, you can migrate data from your current system to the latest version. To do so follow the below steps: 1. Activate DNS Manager For WHMCS V2.x.x. 2. Run command in your browser or in console: your_whmcs_path\modules\addons\DNSManager2\cron\migration.php 3. Follow the steps that you see on your screen now! Note! It is advised to use your console to do the migration between the previous and the new versions of your DNS Manager in case you have a huge number of zones (if more than 1000, it is highly recommended). 4. Once the script has run and the migration is complete you need to review the configuration of your servers to alter their naming and which is the most important enable migrated servers and packages. Freshly migrated servers and packages are by default disabled.

Once the migration of zones is ready you can migrate rDNS records. To do so: 1. Run command in your browser or in console: your_whmcs_path\modules\addons\DNSManager2\cron\ptr_migration.php 3. Follow the steps that you see on your screen now! 4. Your PTR records will be assigned to adequate zones. In case pointing domain does not exist, required zone will be created and added to the clients account (if no other user already has it). 5. Migrated rDNS records are visible in edition page of its zone as PTR records.

Tips

1. Keep track of your 'pending' and in 'progress' 'Tasks' to set an optimum interval time for the tasks execution. For example, set interval in the way that half of the time task is set to pending status.

2. 255 characters in TXT records is a maximum limit for 'PowerDNS' submodule.

3. You may access your DNS Manager For WHMCS API. Here is a short instruction how to do that: The main, required command that must be used is: 'dnsmanager' Additionally, you must define 'action' with some specific value. These can be: 'getServerList' - returns the list of servers in DNS Manager 'saveRDNS' - allows adding new rDNS record. Additional parameters are required here, these are: 'serverid' - ID of a server 'ip' - IP address that will be used 'clientid' - id of a client, record will be assigned to that client 'ttl' - value of TTL for record 'rdata' - record's value 'removeRDNS' - allows removing existing rDNS record. Additional, required parameters: 'serverid' - ID of a server 'ip' - IP address that will be used Exemplary command: <?php // Set Vars $command = 'dnsmanager'; $values = array( 'action' => 'getServerList'); $adminuser = 'DemoAdmin'; // Call API $results = localAPI($command, $values, $adminuser); var_dump($results); ?>

4. When you try to add a record of not supported type to a package, you will be informed about the lack of support with a note as on the screen below.

Common Problems

1. When you have problems with connection, check whether your SELinux or firewall does not block ports.

2. jQuery 1.9 is required to work properly.

3. In case you cannot see any zone records in your client area after import or migration actions, then disable cashe for the DNS server. To do so, edit the 'General' section of the server.