The hosting of a subdomain on another server is standard practice for developers and companies looking to improve application performance, manage resources, or even separate functionalities. If you are looking for your blog to be hosted, stored, or a special application, giving the subdomain to a different server can be a great solution.
In this tutorial, we’ll walk you through the entire procedure for pointing subdomains to another server, setting up a DNS record, and ensuring an easy setup.
What Is a Subdomain?
A subdomain is a subset of your primary domain name that acts as a separate entity. For Example in the URL blog.yourdomain.com, the “blog” is the subdomain. Subdomains are typically used to host particular sections on a website like:
- store.yourdomain.com for an online shop
- help.yourdomain.com for a knowledge base
- app.yourdomain.com for a web application
Hosting a subdomain on a separate server allows you to divide your website’s resources, use specialized hosting environments, and improve overall performance.
Why Host a Subdomain on a Different Server?
There are several advantages to hosting a subdomain on a different server:
- Resource Optimization: By separating a subdomain, you can allocate dedicated server resources for different functionalities, improving efficiency.
- Scalability: Hosting on a separate server makes it easier to scale a specific feature or section without affecting the main domain.
- Security: Isolating critical functionalities, such as an application or payment gateway, reduces vulnerabilities.
- Flexibility: Use different technologies or configurations for your subdomain (e.g., PHP for the main site and Node.js for the subdomain).
Step-by-Step Guide to Hosting a Subdomain on Another Server
1. Set Up Hosting for Your Subdomain
First, ensure you have hosting configured on the server where you want to host the subdomain. This involves:
- Selecting a Hosting Plan: Choose the server or host provider that meets the requirements for your subdomain (e.g. shared hosting, VPS (or dedicated server).
- Uploading your Files: Install the site or application files onto the server using an FTP client, SSH, or a host control panel.
2. Locate Your Domain’s DNS Settings
Your domain’s DNS (Domain Name System) settings determine where web traffic is directed. To direct a subdomain at a server other than your own, you must have access to your domain’s registrar and your DNS administration panel.
- Log into your domain registrar’s dashboard (e.g., GoDaddy, Namecheap, Cloudflare).
- Go through and then the DNS Settings or the DNS Zone Editor for your domain.
3. Create an A Record or CNAME Record
To host subdomains using a different server, you will need to set up the A Record or a record called a CNAME in your DNS Settings.
Option 1: Using an A Record
A Record An A Record links your subdomain’s IP address to an IP address that is specific to.
- Hostname: Enter the subdomain name (e.g., blog for blog.yourdomain.com).
- Type: Select “A Record.”
- Value: Indicate the IP address for the server where the subdomain will be located.
- TTL (Time to Live) The default value is left or change the value to a lower one (e.g. 300 seconds, for example) to allow for faster propagation.
Example:
| Hostname | Type | Value | TTL |
| blog | A | 192.168.1.100 | 300 |
Option 2: Using a CNAME Record
A CNAME Record points your subdomain to another domain or subdomain. This is useful if the subdomain’s server is using dynamic IPs.
- Hostname: Enter the subdomain name (e.g., store for store.yourdomain.com).
- Type: Select “CNAME.”
- Value: Enter the domain or subdomain of the new server (e.g., server.example.com).
Example:
| Hostname | Type | Value | TTL |
| store | CNAME | server.example.com | 300 |
4. Configure the Subdomain on the Target Server
On the new server, ensure the subdomain is configured correctly to accept traffic.
Steps:
- Add the Subdomain: Use the hosting control panel (e.g., cPanel, Plesk) or configure the server manually to create the subdomain.
- Link to Document Root: Point the subdomain to the directory where its files are stored. For example, /var/www/subdomain.
- Configure Virtual Hosts (if required): On VPS or dedicated servers, set up virtual hosts in the server configuration file (e.g., Apache or Nginx).
5. Test Your Subdomain
Once your DNS changes propagate (this can take up to 24 hours), test your subdomain by entering it into your browser.
- Successful Test: The browser should load the subdomain’s content from the new server.
- Troubleshooting: If the subdomain doesn’t load, clear your DNS cache or use online tools like DNS Checker to verify DNS propagation.
Tips for Hosting a Subdomain on Another Server
- Use Separate SSL Certificates: Ensure the subdomain has its own SSL certificate to secure data transmission. Platforms like Let’s Encrypt offer free certificates.
- Monitor DNS Propagation: DNS changes can take time. Tools like MXToolBox or DNS Checker can help you monitor the status.
- Keep Backup Copies: Always back up your files and configurations on both servers.
- Check Firewall Rules: Ensure the target server’s firewall allows traffic to and from the subdomain.
When to Use an A Record vs. a CNAME Record
| Scenario | Recommended Record |
| You have a static IP for the server | A Record |
| The server uses a dynamic IP or hostname | CNAME Record |
Benefits of Hosting Subdomains Separately
- Improved Performance: Offloading specific functionalities to a separate server ensures smoother operations for both the main domain and the subdomain.
- Resource Isolation: Separating traffic for a subdomain helps avoid resource contention, especially during high traffic.
- Customized Hosting Environments: Use tailored hosting environments for different subdomains, such as using Node.js for an application and PHP for the main site.
FAQs About Hosting Subdomains on Different Servers
1. Can I host a subdomain on a different IP address?
By using A Record An A Record you can point an A Record subdomain to another server that has its unique IP address.
2. How long does it take for DNS changes to propagate?
DNS propagation generally takes between 24 and 48 hours, however it could be quicker if you choose the lowest TTL number during setting up.
3. Is it possible to use different hosting providers for the main domain and subdomain?
Absolutely! Your domain can be hosted on a variety of servers. primary domain and subdomains on totally different servers or with hosting providers.
4. What if my subdomain isn’t working after setup?
Examine for incorrectly configured DNS records. Make sure the subdomain is installed in the newly installed server and ensure that the firewall on the server is able to handle incoming traffic.
5. Do I need a separate SSL certificate for the subdomain?
Yes, it is, unless you’re using a wildcard SSL certificate that covers the primary domain as well as subdomains.
Conclusion
Hosting a subdomain on a separate server is an effective method to improve performance, increase security, and increase your presence online. By ensuring you have the right configuration of DNS records and making sure the target server is installed, you can get an effortless integration of your primary website and the subdomain.
