What is a Dedicated IP and Why Do You Need It?

Hey there! 👋

I’m Asher Feroze, and I’ve spent years working at CreativeON—from managing operations and marketing to helping clients at our Level 2 support desk. Today, my goal is to make tech simple for you—whether it’s domains, VPS servers, dedicated servers, cloud hosting, or Google Workspace.

If you’re looking for VPS hosting in Pakistan or exploring dedicated servers, you’ve probably come across the term Dedicated IP. You might be asking:

“Do I really need this?”
“Is it worth the extra cost?”

Let’s break it down in plain, simple language.

What Exactly is an IP Address?

Think of the internet as a huge global city. Every house, office, or store needs a street address so mail carriers can deliver letters. On the internet, your website is the “house,” and your IP address is the street address.

An IP (Internet Protocol) address is a unique string of numbers that identifies your website online. It looks something like this:

• IPv4: 192.168.0.1

   

• IPv6: 2001:0db8:85a3:0000:0000:8a2e:0370:7334

   

When someone types your domain (like creativeon.com) into a browser, the internet looks up the corresponding IP address via DNS and directs visitors to your site.

Shared IP vs Dedicated IP – The Apartment Analogy

Most new websites start with a shared IP, which is like living in an apartment building:

• Many websites share the same street address.

   

• Cost-effective because the server resources are shared.

   

• Risk: If another website sends spam or is blacklisted, your email deliverability and reputation can be affected.

   

A dedicated IP is like having your own private house:

• Only your website uses the IP.

   

• Full control over your server and email reputation.

   

• A small additional cost, but often included with VPS hosting plans.

   

Why Do You Need a Dedicated IP?

Here are the biggest benefits that make a dedicated IP a smart choice:

1. Keep Your Emails Out of Spam

One of the most important reasons is email deliverability. Shared IPs can be risky—if someone else on your server sends spam, your emails may also get flagged.

With a dedicated IP, your email reputation is fully yours. Marketing campaigns, order confirmations, and business communications are more likely to land directly in your customer’s inbox.

Example: Your online bakery in Lahore sends order confirmations. On a shared IP, spam from a neighboring site could land your emails in spam folders. A dedicated IP keeps your reputation safe.

2. Enhanced Security

Shared hosting exposes you to risks from other websites on the same server. A dedicated IP gives you your own address, making it harder for hackers to target you and isolating you from potential threats.

Bonus: You can set up firewalls that restrict access only to specific IPs, keeping your business data extra safe.

3. Direct Access to Your Website

Sometimes, your domain may not be fully pointed yet, or there’s a temporary DNS glitch. With a dedicated IP, you can access your site directly by typing the IP into your browser. It’s like having a backup key to your website.

4. Run Special Programs and Apps

Some software, private VPNs, and remote desktop tools (RDP VPS) require a fixed, dedicated IP. If your team works remotely or you run custom applications, a dedicated IP is essential.

Example: Your remote accounting team logs in via Windows VPS with RDP—a dedicated IP ensures secure and reliable access.

5. Faster File Transfers

Since you don’t share your IP with other websites, bandwidth is dedicated to you. Uploading or downloading large files via FTP or server connections becomes faster and more reliable.

6. Better for SSL Certificates

Most modern SSL certificates work on shared IPs, thanks to SNI technology. However, some legacy systems or extra-secure setups may require a dedicated IP. If you’re handling sensitive customer data, a dedicated IP can simplify SSL management.

Who Actually Needs a Dedicated IP?

You might need a dedicated IP if:

• You send thousands of emails per year.

   

• You run an eCommerce store or critical business website.

   

• You handle sensitive customer information.

   

• You want full control over server applications.

   

Shared IPs are fine if:

• You’re just starting a small blog or website.

   

• You send minimal emails.

   

• Cost savings are a priority.

   

How to Get a Dedicated IP

Most hosting providers offer dedicated IPs as an add-on. But here’s a pro tip: VPS hosting usually comes with a dedicated IP included!

A VPS gives you:

• Your own slice of a server.

   

• Dedicated resources like CPU and RAM.

   

• Better performance and security than shared hosting.

   

CreativeON VPS Pricing (Pakistan)

All plans include a dedicated IP and basic support.

Real-Life Scenarios

The Bakery Scenario

Order confirmations land in spam on shared IP? Customers miss their cakes! Dedicated IP keeps emails safe.

The Remote Office

Your remote accounting team logs in securely via RDP VPS, thanks to a dedicated IP.

The New Brand

Show your site to friends via IP even before your domain is fully live. Dedicated IP ensures access anytime.

FAQs About Dedicated IPs