August 10, 2020

Everything you Need to Know about Shared IPv4 Addresses

A shared IPv4 address refers to an IP address that is used for multiple websites. Such types of IP addresses are generally used by shared hosting providers or for managed server hosting that uses a cloud-based platform. Choosing a shared IP address instead of a dedicated IP address also helps to cut the costs of server hosting, although there may be some risks associated with it.

Shared IPv4 addresses and shared hosting normally go together. However, having a shared IP address does not necessarily mean that it is shared hosting. Regardless, as the IP address is used by multiple websites in shared hosting, the actions of one website may affect the reputation of the other sites on the server as well. This is more common when an IP address is blacklisted for sending SPAM emails. Blacklisting one site on the shared server may potentially block all the sites using the shared IPv4 address for their communication needs.

Not all shared IPv4 addresses face this issue though. It is also seen that some site owners are not affected by the actions of another site using the shared IPv4 address at all. This is especially when the shared hosting provider actively monitors email spam and such issues and fixes them in time. Therefore, it is recommended to consult with an expert IPv4 broker to understand whether going for a shared IP address would be the best choice for your needs.

If emailing is vital to your organization, then you can also use a third-party mail hosting service to send communications through a different IP address than what you are using for hosting your website. This will ensure that your reputation is not affected by the actions of another website using the shared IPv4 address. At the same time, you should also check with the hosting provider about the security of the shared IP address. Clearing certain things, such as root file access, user permissions, web structure, etc., will help you to make an informed decision.

If security and privacy are your prime concerns, then it will be better to go for a dedicated IPv4 address instead of choosing a shared IP address. This would incur more costs but will give you access to more powerful features on the hosting server to configure and manage your website. Nonetheless, if you need basic site security, then you can install an SSL certificate on the shared server using Server Name Indicator. Most reputable hosting providers offer free SSL as part of their hosting plans as well.