Which one is Beneficial- Dedicated IP Address or Shared IP Address?

An IP (Internet Protocol) address is a specific number that is assigned to every device which can access the Internet. This could be your computer, laptop, tablet, mobile, web servers etc. IP addresses are unique and help websites, service providers to identify who has visited their website.

When using a shared IP address, all of the server’s resources are pooled together to access/host multiple sites. It does not take into account who owns the site, the traffic it receives, etc. In this case, there could be about thousands of sites residing in a single server, with the same IP address.

A dedicated IP is exclusive to the user. The address still works like a shared resource where all the server’s resources are applied to access the applications or services a user wants. But, this is done based on the server space rented by the user and not based on what the hosting provider rents. Here, although the sites share a single hosting service, each of them will have a unique IP address..

Source: Kinsta

Now, having a dedicated or shared IP address is a real deal-breaker when you are choosing a hosting provider.

What is the issue with using a Shared IP address?

Generally, the host server has a software that can detect if the request is from the same IP or a different IP. When multiple users use a shared space, there can be a time delay in serving the requests. If your goal is to just host a website or Search Engine Optimization (SEO), then it isn’t a big deal. It doesn’t matter if you are using a Shared IP or a Dedicated IP for these uses. But if you are looking at one of the wider pictures mentioned below, a dedicated IP address is what you might need.

The basic reasons why anyone would choose dedicated IP over a shared IP is to

• Attaching and Maintaining a Secure SSL Certificate

• Maintain performance of the site during high traffic

• To access website via FTP

• To view website via IP address

• For Applications that need it

• Domain branded Email address

• High Server Control

Attaching and Maintaining a Secure SSL

Let us say you have a site where your customers will login and make purchases using their credit card information. Any site where you collect customers’ personal information needs to be protected. For them to trust you or even otherwise to keep this information safe, you need to have a layer of security to protect that information. This is done using an SSL. In order to get SSL certification on your site you need to have a dedicated IP address.

Maintaining performance of the site during high traffic

This is highly recommended if your website is expected to get high traffic. E-commerce sites is a good example. This as discussed above, will contain personal information and will have the need to purchase an SSL certificate. In most cases these sites are likely to have a dedicated IP and a dedicated hosting. Irrespective of the site being e-commerce or not, it is advised that you have a dedicated IP address if your websites see a large traffic on a daily basis. Using a dedicated IP manages the performance and speed when your website sees a sudden surge. This is essential if your website or app provides some kind of service as using a dedicated IP address reduces the risk of crashing.

To access a website via FTP

You will need a dedicated IP address if you wish to run a FTP server off the IP address. For instance, if you wish to run a gaming server. Here you might need an IP based FTP server for which you will need to have a dedicated IP.

To view website via IP addressHaving a dedicated IP address enables you to access your server remotely anywhere anytime. Most of the time, it comes handy when there is a need to view your website via it’s IP, for instance when your site is not yet launched but you’d like to see how it looks. In cases as such having a dedicated IP address provides you with direct access to the server without having to change the DNS. For Applications that need it

During instances where you have a unique server setup or if you run scripts or applications within your site, you will require a dedicated IP.

Domain branded Email address

If you are hosting an email, then you will be sending emails from your host and you will need a dedicated space. Having a shared IP address can become a shortcoming for it. For instance, if another user using the shared IP address, does something wrong and gets the IP banned or blacklisted, then this will be an issue for you as this would decrease the deliverability rate. It also has to do with the reputation of your email and website among the E-society.

Higher Server Control

Using a dedicated server allows you to leverage higher control over it. You will have direct access to your server which opens the room to customization. You can choose to customize your site the way you want at all levels without any interference.

Pros and Cons of buying a Shared IP address

Pros:

• Cheaper when compared to buying a dedicated IP address

• It is more than enough if your goal is to set up a website and increase brand awareness

Cons:

• Cannot setup SSL

• Downtime issues when the traffic is high

• High chances of your IP being blacklisted for no fault of yours.

Pros and Cons of buying a Dedicated IP address

Pros:

• Dedicated IPs are essential to generate SSL certificates.

• You will need them to access your server remotely and via FTP.

• Provides a high level of server control to customize your needs.

• Lessor no downtime during heavy traffic.

• Cannot be banned or blacklisted for other’s fault.

Cons:

• A dedicated IP increases the page loading time but does not have any impact on search rankings.

Conclusion

Purchasing a dedicated IP address is beneficial if your goal is not to just host a domain. If you are looking at any of the above benefits, you would need a Dedicated IP to run a secure and safe website.

Hope you found this blog useful. Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.

A Complete gamer and a Tech Geek. Brings out all her thoughts and love in writing blogs on Iot, software, technology etc. Profile: https://limeproxies.com/