A domain is a unique Internet address through which services such as mail, website can be accessed on the web. A domain name is unique and may occur only once on each type of domain (e.g. .com, .pl, .eu …) and refers to a specific place on the Internet. The domain is only the name by which we are able to find the website in the depths of the Internet.

A server is a space for storing files. Each domain points to the server (actually the files on the server) to display the website at the corresponding address (domain). The server stores all the files that the website uses and on the same storage space on the server you can also have your own email boxes e.g. office@domain.eu etc.

This is the most common instance – when we buy a new server and domain we usually buy them from the same provider, they don’t even consider that it could be different.

The benefits of such a solution:

• No need to change DNS servers (provider’s DNS is set by default)
• One-stop-shop hosting and domain name payment
• No special user action required (limited to adding the domain in cPanel and uploading files)

Domain with provider-1 and hosting with provider-2

Such a solution, although possible, is already a little more complicated (although without exaggeration). The domain is registered with one company (with provider-1), but the sites are hosted by a second hosting company (with provider-2)

Disadvantages of such an arrangement:

• The need to change the DNS records in the provider-1 panel to the provider-2 DNS server addresses yourself
• Domain fee with provider-1, hosting fee with provider-2.

This doesn’t look bad at first look, but since the domain and hosting are typically paid for once a year, sometimes after a year in the company no one remembers where what was registered (this is a case taken from life – from our customers).

So where is it better to have a domain and hosting: separately or together?

So where is it better to have a domain and hosting: separately or together?

Analyzing the above subsections, one can typically come to the conclusion that a better solution is to keep everything (hosting and domains) with one provider. This solution is both secure and convenient. Thanks to having services in one place, you will also not forget to pay for hosting or a domain.

How to manage domain delegation?

Each domain can be managed by changing its records (DNS zone) so that the domain and server can be purchased from other providers. Below is information on what Smarthost’s DNS servers look like.

Domain transfer to another provider

Of course, if you have a domain with a provider, you can transfer it to another provider (e.g. to smarthost.eu) at any time. In this way, you can have all services with one provider and pay for them in one place.

To transfer a domain you need to contact your current provider to issue an auth-info code. Each provider has a different procedure for issuing a code, but they are obliged to issue one once their requirements have been met.
Usually the procedure for issuing auth-info codes is listed on the website of the provider in question – sometimes you just need to send an email, sometimes you can read the code in the panel, and sometimes you even need to send a request by post.
If you need anything, please feel free to contact us – we will tell you which procedure applies to your current domain operator.

It usually takes about 7 days for a code to be issued.

The transfer time depends on the type of domain – for .pl domains, the transfer is immediate after the approval of the link in the email from the main domain registry. For .com domains the transfer takes up to 7 days. Before transferring domains, it is worth checking what the transfer procedure is for a particular type of domain.