Are you debating whether to use a dedicated IP address or a shared address? Are you concerned about how it might affect the reputation of your sending? Let’s explore the differences and what to consider when making this important decision.
Let us first start with the basics!
What is an IP Address? Why Is It Important?
An IP Address, aka Internet Protocol, is a unique identifier for your device on a network. It is almost like a house number that helps pinpoint a particular residence on a street.
IP addresses contain location information and allow devices to connect with one another. It’s a network address for your device so that the Internet knows where to send the mail and data.
The Internet requires a system in which it can differentiate between computers, websites and routers. How does it do that? You got it! With the help of an IP address!
What is a Dedicated IP Address?
A dedicated IP address is a permanent and exclusive allocation of a single, unchanging Internet Protocol (IP) address to a website or network’s TCP/IP node. This particular IP address cannot be shared by more than one user or device; it can only be used by one entity.
A dedicated IP address is usually more expensive and you can get it from an ISP, VPN service or hosting provider for an additional fee.
How Does it Work?
Dedicated IP addresses are designed specifically for a particular device or user, ensuring it is not shared across multiple devices or services. Thus, these addresses don’t reset and are not reassigned to other users.
Dedicated IP addresses come with an additional cost, but it’s worth it because they offer enhanced IT operations management. Network administrators can exercise more authority, for example, by limiting access to internal systems using a list of authorized dedicated IP addresses. This method ensures that only matched IPs are allowed, preventing illegal connections.
Furthermore, a fixed IP reduces the possibility of IP blacklisting and eliminates the necessity for users to complete multiple captchas while browsing. As a result, users benefit from quicker and more secure connections.
Benefits of a Dedicated IP Address
- Easy Remote Access Authorization:
Employees can easily update, add, or view files on your website remotely with the use of a dedicated IP address, and they won’t have any limitations from the website host. Website owners may monitor and regulate access with a dedicated IP, guaranteeing that staff IPs are never blacklisted.
- Enhanced Website Performance:
Dedicated IP addresses not only increase accessibility but also improve website performance by reducing outages brought on by high internet traffic. Because a dedicated IP address is isolated, external websites cannot affect the functionality or speed of your website, giving customers easy access to your online services.
- Secure Connections with SSL:
Having a dedicated IP opens the door to incorporating a Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) certificate into your website. This digital certificate not only authenticates your website but also encrypts data exchanged between the user and the server of your web host. This security measure ensures protected access for visitors, safeguarding their information and proving especially crucial for secure online transactions.
What is a Shared IP Address?
As the name suggests, shared IP addresses are allocated to a website or hosting account and shared among multiple domains or websites.
How Does it Work?
A shared IP address works the same way as any other IP address, allowing data to be exchanged between two locations.
External websites cannot distinguish between the devices or users accessing them via the shared IP address pool because shared IP addresses are constantly changing among a large user pool.
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Benefits of a Shared IP Address
Quick to set up: Shared IP addresses are generally quick to set up. Shared hosting services, where multiple websites share the same IP address, are designed to be user-friendly and easy to deploy.
When you sign up for a shared hosting plan, the hosting provider takes care of the technical aspects of setting up the server and IP configuration.
The setup process typically involves selecting a hosting plan, registering a domain (if needed), and configuring your website settings through a control panel provided by the hosting company. Shared hosting providers often offer tools and one-click installers that simplify the process of setting up popular web applications, content management systems, and other features.
Great for small businesses: Although there aren’t numerous advantages to having a shared IP address, the primary benefit lies in its suitability for small businesses or individual entrepreneurs with modest expectations for internet traffic.
Main Differences Between Shared and Dedicated IPs
The difference between dedicated IP addresses and shared IP addresses is their exclusivity. Dedicated IP addresses are only available to one entity, while shared IP addresses are available to all users and rotate in ownership.
A shared IP address works well and requires minimal maintenance in many situations. On the other hand, using a dedicated IP address is preferable, especially in professional settings.
We’ll now compare how these two IP addresses differ in various criteria.
Blocks: The main difference between a dedicated IP address and a shared IP address is the risk of getting blocked when scraping. Using a dedicated IP address reduces your chances of being blacklisted much more than using a shared one.
Control: The risk of blocks is closely linked to control. Having ownership and control over your IP addresses reduces the risk of being blocked. You control the websites that are scraped, how long they are scraped for, and how—all while guaranteeing that IP address is used exclusively—when you have a dedicated IP address.
Software: Though rare, some software may require the use of a dedicated IP address.
Price: A shared IP address is a free addition to the hosting plan when you sign up for a hosting service. By comparison, there is a monthly cost associated with using a dedicated IP address.
Speed: Users who scrape websites often look for speed and limitless bandwidth. Dedicated proxies are quicker because there is no performance sharing. Dedicated data center proxies offer incredibly high uptime and no bandwidth restrictions, in contrast to shared proxies.
Shared IP addresses, however, can also be quick, depending on the volume of traffic generated by other users on the same server. If you want great performance and shared IPs, it’s best to go with a premium provider with a vast IP pool.
Safety and Security: Did you know phishing attacks affect 83% of international organizations annually? 90% of email users have trouble distinguishing phishing messages from real emails. This raises the issue of IP security: which choice offers the highest level of protection?
In the past, websites could only obtain Secure Socket Layer (SSL) certificates from dedicated IPs. Dedicated IPs still provide better control over email security, even though this has changed.
How? Being the only user with a dedicated IP reduces the possibility of being blocked by your Internet Service Provider (ISP) or blacklisted because there is no illegal intent. If problems do emerge, they can be quickly identified and fixed.
Moreover, dedicated IPs make it simple to keep an eye on your remote workers. Recognize a break in security? Track it down to its source and act quickly.
While dedicated IPs appear to be more secure, shared IPs can also be safe. The trick is choosing a trustworthy hosting provider because SSL certificates are now available for shared IPs.
These services keep an eye on users to make sure the IP reputation isn’t compromised. However, one fraudulent user can still be a concern, so be careful while selecting your hosting provider.
What Type of an IP Should I Use?
Use a Dedicated IP For:
Email marketing: When sending many emails to clients, businesses frequently use an external dedicated IP address.
Regarding maintaining reputation and email deliverability, a dedicated IP offers greater control than the difficulties associated with sharing IP addresses with other companies.
Virtual Private Networks: Dedicated IP addresses are used by companies that require remote access to their internal network, such as contractors or distant employees.
By ensuring that the remote user always connects to the same IP address, this dedicated IP improves security and management. Additionally, it gives network administrators additional options for adjusting security measures.
Use a Shared IP:
To start immediately – You can start sending your email right away with a shared IP. There’s no requirement to undergo an individual warming-up phase since you’ll be sharing the IP with established senders who already have a good reputation with receivers. This allows you to start sending emails immediately.
From a business standpoint, this often means you can swiftly join an Email Service Provider (ESP) and send the required volume without the need to invest time and resources in carefully warming up a single IP address.
If you send emails inconsistently or have a low volume- A shared IP can assist in legitimizing a domain with a less consistent sending pattern, especially when building a reputation with a low sending volume.
If your shared IP partners already have a positive reputation- By sharing an IP with reputable partners, you can benefit from their established standing while your domain begins its own journey.
Does IP Have Any Effect On My SEO?
Though the impact is usually indirect, the kind of IP address you employ can have some impact on SEO. Here are some things to think about:
Shared IP: When you have a shared hosting plan, the IP address of your website is shared by several websites. Your SEO may be indirectly impacted if one of the sites participates in spammy or malicious activities, as this could have an impact on the shared IP’s reputation.
Dedicated IP: For specific tasks, such as configuring an SSL certificate, a dedicated IP address may be required. Choosing between a shared or dedicated IP is not a direct ranking factor; however, having an SSL certificate is a favorable SEO element.
Conclusion
Depending on your specific circumstances, both dedicated and shared IPs have benefits and disadvantages. Selecting the suitable IP becomes a manageable chore on your agenda once you have comprehensive knowledge.
For small firms, especially those starting out in email marketing, shared IPs are a popular option. On the other hand, dedicated IPs work well for big businesses and driven salespeople because they provide an easy-to-reach target group.
Remember to make well-informed selections by carrying out in-depth research and coordinating your choices with certain objectives.
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