1 domain using 2 web host

They have: 488 posts

Joined: Feb 2000

Here's a little tip,

If you need to have your site up and running 99.99% all the time then I would suggest the following:

1) Sign up with 2 Web Hosting Co using the same domain name.

2) At your domain registrar include 4 nameservers(2 each from each Host).

3) Now upload identical files to both servers.

4) After propogating time and when accessing your site, you will find that it is faster and also either server can be access depending on which one is faster.

I have tried this method for a few of my clients and it works so well that they are very pleased about it even though it may cost a bit more.

Jaiem's picture

They have: 1,191 posts

Joined: Apr 1999

So how does the net know which name server to use for lookups?

They have: 433 posts

Joined: Apr 2000

I've never thought of that but it sounds like a great idea! How often do you find the second host gets used?

Ravi

They have: 488 posts

Joined: Feb 2000

You can mark your index page for one server so that you will be able to know each time you access your site, which server is being used.

It acts more like a backup in case one server cannot be connect then it automatically looks for the other nameservers and this way you can be assure of getting a connection from the other server.

If I am not mistaken recently about a month back some routing failure occurred in Taiwan and followed by the VDI failure most sites were down for days and when it was rectified all those affect took another few days to propogate throughout the Internet before everything was back to normal.

Fearing for future occurrence, me and my friends thought of this idea.

They have: 5,633 posts

Joined: Jan 1970

That's a very good tip about creating mirror websites that act as backup. However is some cases, the domain name server can be up and running and in the same time the website can be down. Some web hosting companies are using external domain name servers which are usually 100% up. In that case your domain can be resolved but without displaying the website.

Moreover, this technique applies to websites with limited content and not dynamic driven web pages. The suggested solution for these websites is two or more ips are pointing to the same machine ( same web hosting company ) but by using different connections. That could prevent you from downtime when a line is down for some reason. On the other hand I don't know many web hosting companies that allow this.

Best Regards,

They have: 488 posts

Joined: Feb 2000

I agree with John,

Quote: Moreover, this technique applies to websites with limited content and not dynamic driven web pages.

It's not fully tested. Hehe, please use this method at your own risk.

mjames's picture

They have: 2,064 posts

Joined: Dec 1999

Two problems first come to my mind:

1. How do you manage uploading identical versions of files on both servers? For me, it would be quite a hassle with switching FTP sessions and upload again.

2. Two hosts costs double the price. Smiling

They have: 488 posts

Joined: Feb 2000

1) You can create any amount of FTP account, just select new and that's it. For every new account, you must enter the IP(or your site e,g. abc.com if it's already propogated), username, & password that your Host provide you to upload files to their server.

2) Yes, It's a bit more expensive.

mjames's picture

They have: 2,064 posts

Joined: Dec 1999

Quote: Originally posted by NSS
1) You can create any amount of FTP account, just select new and that's it. For every new account, you must enter the IP(or your site e,g. abc.com if it's already propogated), username, & password that your Host provide you to upload files to their server.

No, no. I understand how to do this, but in my opinion, it would be a hassle to have to keep both FTP accounts identical and current. For example, if I make a change to a certain HTML page, I have to connect on one account, upload, disconnect, connect on the other, upload, and then disconnect. But, I do see your point with this. Just not something I'd be interested in doing.

They have: 488 posts

Joined: Feb 2000

I agree it's quite a hassle and it the only way at the moment. If I come across something new or how to update files for both Hosts automatically or simultaneously I will post here.

Want to join the discussion? Create an account or log in if you already have one. Joining is fast, free and painless! We’ll even whisk you back here when you’ve finished.