How to Convert a Name-Based Site to an IP-Based Site

November 27, 2006 / Web Hosting

For name-based sites in web hosting environments, websites can be configured either as name-based sites (multiple domains sharing a single IP) or IP-based sites (each site having its own unique IP address).

You might need to convert a name-based site to an IP-based one when setting up SSL certificates or when you require a dedicated IP address.

This guide will show you how to convert a name-based site into an IP-based site using the “EditVirtDomain” command.

Steps to follow to convert a site:

1. Access the Server as Root

You will need root user privileges to run the required command. Log in via SSH:

  • “ssh root@your-server-ip”

2. Run the EditVirtDomain Command

Use the following syntax to convert a domain from name-based to IP-based:

  • “EditVirtDomain -c ipinfo, namebased=0, ipaddrs=[IP_Address] domain_name”

3. Replace Values with Your Own

  • IP_Address >> The dedicated IP address you want to assign.
  • domain_name >> The domain you want to convert.

Example:

EditVirtDomain -c ipinfo, namebased=0, ipaddrs=[207.44.169.18] centralrock.es

In this example:

  • “207.44.169.18” is the IP address assigned to the domain.
  • “centralrock.es” is the domain being converted.

4. Verify the Change

Once the command runs successfully:

  • Restart Apache or Ensim services if needed.
  • Check the domain’s configuration file to confirm it’s now IP-based.

Why Convert to an IP-Based Site?

  • SSL Certificates >> Some older environments require dedicated IPs for SSL installation.

  • Dedicated Resources >> Ensures one domain doesn’t share an IP with others.

  • Custom DNS >> Easier to configure reverse DNS for mail servers.