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OX Feed Client

The PowerDNS Platform Filter OX Feed Client (pdns-pf-oxfeed-client) is the service that keeps a local LMDB database in sync with one or more OX Feed HTTP servers. That LMDB is the data store the filtering Recursor and Proxy read from to look up URL categories at query time.

What it does

  • Polls each configured feed server at a regular interval, checking for new versions.
  • Downloads a full snapshot on first use or after a feed reset, then applies delta updates for subsequent changes.
  • Writes all feed data into a single shared LMDB, with each feed isolated in its own namespace so entries never collide.
  • Supports multiple simultaneous feeds — for example, a primary zVelo feed alongside one or more operator-managed category override feeds.
  • Optionally delays updates for a specific feed, so one instance can act as a canary before changes roll out to the rest of the fleet.

Where to look next

  • Architecture: how the client fits into Platform Filter, the data flow from feed server to filter engine, and the concepts used throughout this site.
  • Configuration: full YAML reference — every field, its type, default, and what it controls.
  • Operations: systemd unit, CLI flags, status page, Prometheus metrics, and the pdns-pf-oxfeed-client-query companion tool.