When managing a server, adding additional IP addresses is often necessary for hosting multiple websites or configuring specific services. Plesk, a popular web hosting control panel, simplifies this process. This guide will walk you through the steps to add an IP address in Plesk.
Step 1: Determine the Subnet Mask for Your IP Address
Before adding an IP address to your server, it’s important to know the correct subnet mask. You can find this using a tool like Sipcalc.
- Visit the Sipcalc Tool: Go to Sipcalc(http://sipcalc.tools.uebi.net/index.php).
- Input the IP Address: In the input field, enter the IP address you intend to add to your server.
- Get the Subnet Mask: Click on “Calculate,” and the tool will provide you with the Network mask associated with the IP address. Make a note of this value, as you will need it in the next steps.
Step 2: Access the Plesk Control Panel
- Login to Plesk: Start by logging into your Plesk control panel using your administrator credentials. This will take you to the Plesk dashboard, where you can manage your server settings.
Step 3: Navigate to the IP Address Section
- Open the Tools & Settings: In the Plesk dashboard, locate the left-hand menu. Click on “Tools & Settings” under the “Server Management” section.
- Select IP Addresses: Once in the “Tools & Settings” page, look for the “IP Addresses” option under the “General Settings” section. Click on it to view and manage your server’s IP addresses.
Step 4: Add a New IP Address
- Click on “Add IP Address”: In the “IP Addresses” section, you’ll see a list of currently configured IP addresses. To add a new one, click on the “Add IP Address” button.
- Enter the IP Address Details:
- IP Address: Enter the new IP address you want to add.
- Subnet Mask: Use the subnet mask you obtained from the Sipcalc tool.
- Interface: Choose the network interface to which the IP address will be assigned (typically this is pre-selected).
- Default Gateway: Input the default gateway if necessary, though this is often optional depending on your network configuration.
- Public/Shared: Choose whether this IP will be a shared or dedicated IP. Shared IP addresses can host multiple domains, while dedicated IPs are assigned to a single domain.
Step 5: Save and Apply the Configuration
- Save the Settings: After entering the necessary information, click “OK” to save the new IP address configuration. Plesk will then add the IP address to your server.
- Verify the IP Address: Once added, the new IP address should appear in the list of IP addresses. You can now assign this IP address to your domains or services as needed.
Step 6: Assign the IP Address to a Domain (Optional)
- Assign IP to a Domain: If you wish to assign the new IP address to a domain, navigate to “Websites & Domains” from the Plesk dashboard. Select the domain, click on “Hosting Settings,” and then choose the new IP address from the drop-down menu under “IP Address.”
Conclusion
Adding an IP address in Plesk is a straightforward process that involves determining the correct subnet mask, entering the details into Plesk, and saving the configuration. Whether you’re setting up new websites, configuring SSL certificates, or optimizing your server’s network configuration, understanding how to manage IP addresses in Plesk is a crucial skill for any server administrator.
Tip: Always ensure that the IP address you add is correctly configured and reachable in your network to avoid any service disruptions.