Hey folks,

I'm facing a bit of a challenge here. I own the domain test.de.

Currently, I'm running a Virtual Dedicated Server (VDS) with CentOS and it has five different IP addresses.

What I'm aiming for is to configure subdomains like site1.test.de, site2.test.de, site3.test.de, and so on, to be hosted on this VDS but mapped to distinct IP addresses.

The plan I'm considering involves establishing my own DNS server and updating the DNS records for test.de at my registrar accordingly... and then - .....

Overall, I could really use some expert insights.

I'd advise against setting up your own DNS server, it's a complex task that requires significant expertise and resources. Instead, consider using a reputable third-party DNS service, such as Cloudflare or Google Cloud DNS, which offer robust features and reliable uptime. You can update your DNS records at your registrar to point to the third-party DNS service, and then configure your subdomains to map to distinct IP addresses on your VDS.

You don't necessarily have to manage your own DNS infrastructure; you can simply utilize an existing DNS service. Sure, you could technically configure two DNS servers across different IPs, but if you're not well-versed in this area, it's probably best to steer clear of that complexity. What you need is a DNS provider that allows you to create A records for your domains.

Here's how you would set it up:

For the first site, you would create a record like this:
site1.test.de. IN A 1.2.3.1

For the second site, it would look like this:
site2.test.de. IN A 1.2.3.2

And for the third:
site3.test.de. IN A 1.2.3.3

The crucial part is to configure your web server on the virtual machine properly. You need to direct incoming requests as follows:

For IP address 1.2.3.1 and hostname site1.test.de, serve content from the directory designated as site1.test.de.
For IP address 1.2.3.2 and hostname site2.test.de, pull files from the folder site2.test.de.
For IP address 1.2.3.3 and hostname site3.test.de, serve from the directory site3.test.de.
Additionally, you'll need to set up an SQL server to manage your databases effectively. Allocate separate databases for each site, such as site1, site2, and site3, to keep things organized.

This approach allows for a streamlined hosting setup without the overhead of managing your own DNS servers, making it a practical solution for most users.

When you procure a domain registration service, the registrar's DNS infrastructure will be set up as the authoritative name servers for your domain, thereby enabling you to manage your DNS zone with autonomy. This includes the capability to create and edit A records, MX records, and other types of DNS records, with no limitations on the number of entries you can make. Essentially, you'll have full control over your domain's DNS settings, allowing you to configure them according to your specific needs, whether that's for a simple website, a complex web application, or a custom email setup.