A dedicated IP (Internet Protocol) is a unique Internet address dedicated exclusively to a single hosting account. Normally, several hosting accounts reside on a single server and share that server's IP address. Dedicated IP addresses are usually used for large SSL-encrypted secure Web sites and particularly large and/or traffic-heavy sites. Most shared hosting users have no particular need for a dedicated IP address.

However, a dedicated IP address for your hosting account enables you to:

• View your Web site via its IP address.
• Access your accounts by FTP or the Web when the domain name is otherwise inaccessible, such as during domain name propagation periods.
• Ensure faster response during periods of high traffic load.
• Set up SSL protection on your Web site.

NOTE: Our SSL certificates include a dedicated hosting IP, so you do not need to purchase a dedicated IP credit separately if you are adding a certificate to your site.