What is IP address in website hosting?

An IP (Internet Protocol) address is a unique numerical label assigned to each device connected to a computer network that uses the Internet Protocol for communication. In the context of website hosting, an IP addr is associated with the server where a website is hosted.

When you type a website’s domain name (e.g., www.example.com) into your web browser, the Domain Name System (DNS) translates that domain name into the corresponding IP addr of the server hosting the website. The IP address allows your browser to locate and connect to the server, requesting the web page’s content.

IPv4 & IPv6

1. IPv4 (Internet Protocol version 4): This is the most common type of IP address and is expressed as a series of four sets of numbers separated by dots (e.g., 192.168.0.1).
2. IPv6 (Internet Protocol version 6): With the increasing number of devices connected to the internet, IPv6 was introduced to provide a larger pool of unique addresses. IPv6 addresses are longer and expressed in hexadecimal (e.g., 2001:0db8:85a3:0000:0000:8a2e:0370:7334).

In website hosting, an IP address is crucial for routing traffic to the correct server. Hosting providers allocate IP addresses to their servers, and websites are associated with these IP addresses. When users access a website, their browsers use the IP addr to establish a connection with the hosting server and retrieve the requested content.

It’s worth noting that multiple websites can share the same IP addr, especially in shared hosting environments. In such cases, the server uses additional information, like the requested domain name in the HTTP headers, to determine which website’s content to serve to the user.

How will IP address help in website hosting?

IPs play a crucial role in website hosting by providing a unique numerical label that allows servers and clients to communicate on the Internet. Here’s how IPs are involved in website hosting:

1. Server Identification:
   • When you type a domain name (e.g., www.example.com) into your web browser, the Domain Name System (DNS) translates that domain name into the corresponding IP addr of the server hosting the website.
   • The IP addr acts as a unique identifier for the server, allowing browsers and other devices to locate and connect to it on the Internet.
2. Routing Traffic:
   • IP addresses are essential for routing data between devices on the Internet. When a user requests a web page, their browser uses the IP. associated with the domain name to establish a connection with the hosting server.
   • Routers use the IP addr information to determine the path that data should take across the network, ensuring it reaches the correct destination.
3. Hosting Multiple Websites:
   • In shared hosting environments, multiple websites may be hosted on the same server, which means they share the same IP addr.
   • The server uses additional information, such as the requested domain name in the HTTP headers, to determine which specific website’s content to serve to the user.
4. SSL/TLS Certificates:
   • For secure communication between the user’s browser and the server, websites often use SSL/TLS certificates. These certificates are associated with a specific IP.
   • When a user accesses a website over HTTPS, the browser checks the SSL certificate associated with the IP addr to ensure a secure connection.
5. DNS Records:
   • IPs are stored in DNS records, linking domain names to specific server locations. This allows users to access websites using human-readable domain names instead of remembering numeric IPs.
   • DNS records include information such as A (IPv4 address) and AAAA (IPv6 address) records that map domain names to corresponding IPs.
6. Load Balancing:
   • In scenarios where a website experiences high traffic, load balancing may be implemented to distribute incoming requests across multiple servers.
   • Each server in the load balancing setup has its own IP addr, and the load balancer manages the distribution of traffic among these servers.

In summary, IPs are fundamental to the process of hosting websites by enabling server identification, routing traffic, supporting secure connections, and facilitating the efficient functioning of the Internet. They provide the foundation for communication between servers and clients, ensuring that users can access websites using domain names while servers are uniquely identified on the Internet.

Types of Website IP address:

Shared IP Address

A shared IP addr can be used by multiple devices or websites simultaneously.

Shared IPs are commonly used in web hosting environments, where multiple websites are hosted on the same web server. The server distinguishes those websites based on other information, such as the domain name.

These IP addresses are cost-effective, as many websites can share the same web servers and resources. However, they may have limitations in terms of advanced functionalities and customization options. This is because all websites that share the same IP addr will be subject to the same restrictions.

Dedicated IP Address

A dedicated IP addr is exclusively assigned to a single device or website.

Unlike shared IP addresses, this unique IP addr cannot be used for any other device or website, offering a more secure and reliable connection.

That way, your site can be accessed by the IP addr alone instead of its domain name. Furthermore, it’s possible to run your own File Transfer Protocol (FTP) server.

Dedicated IP addres also offer more control and flexibility than the shared type. These addresses are often used for specific purposes, such as running applications requiring direct access or SSL certificate installation.

Types of IP Addresses

Private IP Address

A private IP addr is a reserved address used within a local network for communication among authorized devices. It’s assigned by a router or a network administrator, following specific ranges defined by the Internet Assigned Numbers Authority (IANA).

These addresses are not directly accessible on the internet. By keeping internal network devices hidden, private IPs offer an additional layer of security.

As a result, private IP’s enable devices within a local network, typically in homes and offices, to communicate securely with each other.

Public IP Address

A public IP addr refers to a globally unique address assigned to a networked device, enabling communication between one device to another across the internet.

Your device, for example, uses its public IP to establish an internet connection when you access a website, send an email, or connect to a remote server. Consequently, these addresses can be used to identify and trace your online activity.

Public IP’s are assigned by Internet Service Providers (ISPs) and are visible on the internet. Depending on the ISP’s allocation policy, they can be static or dynamic.

Dynamic IP Address

A dynamic IP addr changes each time a device connects to the network.

These addresses are typically assigned by the ISP’s DHCP server. So, when your device connects to the internet, the DHCP server assigns a temporary IP to it.

Typically, a home IP addr and company network connection use dynamic addresses. They are cost-effective as ISPs can assign a limited number of IP addresses to a larger pool of users.

The dynamic nature of these addresses promotes stronger security. They make it harder for threat actors to breach the network interface. However, dynamic IP addresses make it more challenging for most internet users to host services or access a device remotely.

Static IP Address

A static IP addr is a fixed or consistent IP addr assigned to a device that remains constant over time. Unlike the periodically-changing dynamic IP address, a static IP address ensures consistency unless manually reconfigured.

Static IP’s are widely used to host websites, email servers, and other services requiring a predictable address. They are advantageous for remote access and advanced network configurations.

To obtain a static address, request one from your internet service provider. However, static IP addresses may come at an additional cost and are less commonly used by regular users.