Understanding Parked, Add-On, and Subdomains in Web Hosting
In the realm of web hosting, understanding the types of domains available is essential for effective server management and site organization. This article delves into the differences between parked domains, add-on domains, and subdomains, providing IT professionals and system administrators with the necessary knowledge to utilize these features effectively.
What is a Parked Domain?
A parked domain is a domain name that is registered but not actively used for a website. Instead, it points to a placeholder page or another website. This can be useful for various reasons:
- To reserve a domain name for future use.
- To protect brand identity by acquiring similar domain names.
- To redirect visitors from multiple domain names to a single website.
For example, if example.com is your primary domain, you might park example.net and example.org to ensure users who type these addresses are redirected to your main site.
What is an Add-On Domain?
An add-on domain allows you to host multiple separate websites under a single hosting account. Unlike parked domains, add-on domains function as fully operational websites, each with its own content and separate directory structure.
To set up an add-on domain, follow these steps:
- Log in to your hosting control panel (e.g., cPanel).
- Locate the "Domains" section and click on "Add-on Domains."
- Enter the new domain name you wish to add.
- Fill in the subdirectory name (this will be created automatically).
- Click "Add Domain."
For example, if example.com is your primary site, you can add blog.example.com as an add-on domain to host a separate blog.
What is a Subdomain?
A subdomain is a subset of the primary domain and is used to organize and navigate to different sections of a website without requiring a separate domain. Subdomains are often utilized for blogs, support pages, or other distinct areas of a site.
For example, support.example.com and shop.example.com are subdomains of example.com. They may host entirely different content but are still associated with the primary domain.
Key Differences
| Feature | Parked Domain | Add-On Domain | Subdomain |
|---|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Redirects to another domain | Separate website | Different section of the same site |
| Content | Placeholder page | Unique content | Related content |
| Setup Complexity | Simple | Moderate | Simple |
Troubleshooting Tips
If you encounter issues with parked, add-on, or subdomains, consider the following troubleshooting steps:
- Ensure DNS settings are correctly configured for the domain.
- Check that the domain has been registered and is active.
- Verify that the correct document root is set for add-on domains.
- Clear your browser cache to see updated content changes.
Understanding the distinctions between parked, add-on, and subdomains is crucial for effective web hosting management. By leveraging these domain types, IT professionals can optimize their hosting environments and enhance user experience.
