In web hosting, a Shared IP address refers to a single Internet Protocol address that is used by multiple websites hosted on the same server. This is a common, cost-effective solution for many websites, especially those starting out or with moderate traffic.

Think of it like an apartment building: the building has one street address (the IP), but many individual apartments (websites) share that address. When someone visits a site using a shared IP, the server uses the domain name to determine which specific website to display.

Key Advantages:

• Lower Cost: Sharing server resources, including the IP, reduces hosting expenses.
• Simplicity: Managed by your hosting provider; no technical setup is required on your part.
• Sufficiency: Perfectly adequate for most standard websites, blogs, and small business sites.

Important Considerations:

• Email Reputation: If another site on the same IP sends spam, it could temporarily affect email deliverability for all sites sharing that IP. Reputable hosts actively monitor and manage this.
• SSL Certificates: Modern SNI (Server Name Indication) technology allows you to install a standard SSL certificate (enabling HTTPS) on a shared IP without issue.
• Dedicated IP Need: You typically only need a dedicated IP for specific reasons, like running your own SSL certificate without SNI (rare today) or for certain legacy applications.

For the vast majority of website owners, a shared IP address is a reliable and economical choice that provides full functionality for a successful online presence.