DNS Clustering

DNS clustering enables you to synchronize DNS records across multiple OpenPanel servers, providing redundancy and scalability for your DNS infrastructure.

All servers involved in the cluster must be running BIND9 - either installed by OpenPanel or as a standalone service or container.

Share DNS Across Multiple OpenPanel Servers​

The simplest way to build a redundant DNS cluster is to run OpenPanel on two or more servers, each managing DNS zones and nameservers in sync. No extra configuration is needed beyond what's described below.

Step 1: Establish SSH Access Between Servers​

Suppose you have two servers:

• Server #1 IP: 185.241.214.214
• Server #2 IP: 95.217.216.36

You need to first configure SSH key-based authentication both ways (from Server #1 to Server #2 and vice versa) so that root SSH access is possible without password prompts.

Generate SSH keys on each server (if not already created):

ssh-keygen -t rsa -b 4096

Then copy each server’s public key to the other:

ssh-copy-id root@185.241.214.214
ssh-copy-id root@95.217.216.36

Verify passwordless SSH connections work:

ssh root@185.241.214.214
ssh root@95.217.216.36

Step 2: Create Nameservers in Your DNS Zone​

Using the domain yourdomain.com as an example, define two nameservers:

• dns1.yourdomain.com → points to Server #1 IP (A record)
• dns2.yourdomain.com → points to Server #2 IP (A record)

Add these A records in your domain's DNS provider for yourdomain.com.

Step 3: Register Nameservers in OpenPanel​

On both servers, open the OpenAdmin panel:

• Navigate to Settings > OpenPanel > Nameservers
• Add both dns1.yourdomain.com and dns2.yourdomain.com

Step 4: Enable DNS Clustering​

On each server:

• Go to OpenAdmin > Domains > DNS Cluster
• Click Enable DNS Clustering

• Click Add Server and enter the IP of the other server, then Add

Test Your Cluster​

Add a new domain on either server via a OpenPanel user account.

Then verify the DNS zone is synchronized on both servers using the dig command:

dig A +short yourdomain.com @185.241.214.214
dig A +short yourdomain.com @95.217.216.36

Replace yourdomain.com with the domain you added.

If both servers return the correct IP, your DNS clustering setup is working!