Multiple SSL domains on the same IP address and same port?

Better Stack Team
Updated on November 9, 2023

It's possible to host multiple SSL (Secure Socket Layer) domains on the same IP address and port using Server Name Indication (SNI). SNI is an extension to the Transport Layer Security (TLS) protocol, allowing a client to specify the hostname it's attempting to connect to during the SSL handshake process.

SNI enables a server to present multiple SSL certificates on the same IP address and port and allows the server to determine which certificate to use for establishing the secure connection based on the hostname requested by the client.

This means that a single server can host multiple SSL-enabled websites on the same IP address and port, and the server can serve the appropriate SSL certificate corresponding to the requested domain.

Most modern web servers, like Apache, Nginx, and Microsoft IIS, support SNI. However, older browsers or operating systems may not support SNI, so it's essential to consider compatibility when setting up multiple SSL domains on the same IP address and port.

Keep in mind that while SNI is widely supported, some legacy systems might not work seamlessly with this setup. Always consider the requirements and compatibility of your audience when configuring multiple SSL domains on the same IP and port.