Dedicated IP vs Shared IP: What are the differences?

In this blog post, we'll explore the meaning and differences between Dedicated and Shared IP, plus, how IP works. This will allow you to understand both IP types better and make an informed decision best suited to your business case.

An IP address, short for Internet Protocol address, is like a digital label for devices connected to a network. It helps identify and tell apart devices and computers in various parts of the world.

IP addresses are integral to the Domain Name System (DNS), a system that translates and associates domain names with their designated IP addresses. The DNS essentially functions as a network address book, storing various connections.

As a result, when users want to visit a website, they only need to input the website's domain name instead of grappling with hard-to-recall IP addresses.

When a visitor enters a website's domain name, their Internet service provider (ISP) checks if its domain name resolution server contains the IP address record for the domain. If not, the ISP requests a higher-level domain name resolution server to fetch the IP address linked to the domain name.

As long as a website's domain name boasts a corresponding domain name resolution record, its IP address can always be located on the vast expanse of the Internet.

Without the DNS system, we would be forced to enter complex IP addresses into our browsers instead of user-friendly domain names.

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A shared IP refers to multiple websites sharing the same virtual space on a single server, which also means they share the same IP address. However, the shared IP carries some risks. If hackers target one website, then all sites with the same IP on the server could potentially be impacted. Additionally, if any website on this server is found to store illegal content and gets flagged by internet monitoring, then the shared IP could be blocked, affecting all sites on that IP.

Shared IPs can also impact search engine optimization. If one website on the server engages in dishonest practices, violates search engine guidelines, or hosts illicit content, it might face search engine penalties. These penalties could lead to lowered rankings, potentially affecting the search rankings of all sites on the shared server.

A dedicated IP address is exclusively assigned to a single owner. It serves as a distinctive label for that specific domain on the Internet. When a website has its dedicated IP, you can access it using either its URL or its IP address. Dedicated IP offers enhanced security and a more isolated environment than shared IPs.

Normally, the difference between a Dedicated IP address and a Shared IP address is one that you’re likely to encounter when looking for an IP address. In this part, we will explore the detailed category of Dedicated IP vs Shared IP.

If specific sites on Shared IP engage in illegal activities or are frequently targeted by hackers, it can negatively impact the performance of other coexisting sites. Consequently, opting for a shared IP might compromise security and overall site quality. In contrast, a dedicated IP doesn't encounter this issue, ensuring a higher level of security and autonomy.

Dedicated IPs are renowned for their impressive speed due to the absence of performance sharing with other users. In contrast, shared IP addresses can sometimes match the speed of dedicated ones, contingent upon the activities of other users connected to the same server. In other words, the intensity of their traffic determines the performance. If you opt for shared IP addresses and demand high performance, it is crucial to select a premium service offering a vast IP pool.

When it comes to web scraping, the key distinction between a shared IP address and a dedicated IP address lies in the likelihood of getting blocked. Using a dedicated IP address greatly reduces the chances of being blocked, whereas, with a shared IP address, the risk of encountering blocks is significantly higher.

Shared IP servers are often more affordable than dedicated IP servers. This cost-effectiveness stems from the ability to accommodate multiple websites on a single server, allowing expenses to be shared among various clients.

Nevertheless, businesses seeking elevated levels of service, performance, security, and reliability would find a dedicated IP server more fitting. While it does come at a higher price point, the benefits it offers make it a preferable choice for such enterprises.

Shared IP servers generally exhibit lower performance due to the resource-sharing nature among multiple websites. As the count of websites hosted on a server rises, so does the server's workload, resulting in diminished website response speed. This, in turn, creates an unfavorable user experience and contributes to customer attrition.

The status of other websites can compromise a shared IP's reliability. When one site on the same IP experiences technical glitches or crashes, it ripples through to other cohosted websites. Shared IP servers frequently lack backup mechanisms, which heightens the risk of data loss if a failure occurs.

Conversely, a dedicated IP typically offers more excellent reliability. Since it's exclusively assigned to a single website, it remains unaffected by the activities of other sites. Moreover, dedicated IP servers often incorporate data backup solutions to safeguard against potential data loss or corruption.

When choosing between a dedicated IP address and a shared IP address, it is important to consider your specific requirements, such as budget, and the nature of your online activities. Dedicated IPs are generally recommended for people those requiring reliability, performance, and reduced blockage risk, while shared IPs can be suitable for more cost-sensitive situations. Ultimately, the selection depends on your individual needs and priorities.