Understand the difference between Domain, Subdomain and Alias

This guide explains the differences between a Domain (or main site), a Subdomain and an Alias.

Preamble

• Although they are related, these three elements (Domain, Subdomain and Alias) have different functions and purposes.
• They can impact a Web Hosting via its domain name, or even the email since it is quite possible to have email addresses on a subdomain for example.

What is a Domain?

The domain or domain name is the main entrance to your website. This is how your users will access your content. This main domain determines what will appear in the URL bar of your users' browsers.

Prerequisites

• Own a domain.
• Have a Infomaniak Web hosting.

Familiarize yourself with the guide Create a new site on your web hosting.

What is a Subdomain?

The Subdomain is symbolized by an additional word that appears before your main domain name. This is very useful in several cases, for example:

• It can be used to display "exclusive" or targeted content, for example, by going to faq.infomaniak.com you arrive at the knowledge base where all the guides are located
• It can also be used (temporarily or permanently) when creating a new site or redesigning an existing one, by creating for example new.domain.xyz when the main site was previously domain.xyz

Prerequisites

• Own at least one domain.
• Have a Infomaniak Web hosting.

Familiarize yourself with the guide Adding a subdomain to your web hosting.

What is an Alias?

An Alias or Domain Alias is a second domain name that points directly to your main site, sharing the same web pages. The alias is another access point to your website. For example, the main site of Infomaniak Network SA is www.infomaniak.com and www.infomaniak.ch is its alias.

The benefit of an Alias is to allow you to increase the visibility of your site to your target audience by offering them more entry points to access it.

Prerequisites

• Have multiple domain names.
• Have a Infomaniak Web hosting.

Familiarize yourself with the guide Add an alias to your web hosting.

The equivalent also exists for a Service Mail.