Understand the difference between Domain, Subdomain, and Alias

This guide explains the differences between Area (or main site), a Sub-domain and one 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 e-mail Since it is quite possible to have email addresses on a subdomain e.g.

What is a Domain?

The domain or domain name, is the main gateway to your website. It is from it that your users will access your content. It is this main domain that defines what will appear in your users' browsers' URL bar.

Prerequisites

• Owning a field.
• Owning a Web hosting Infomaniak.

Read the guide Create a new website on your web hosting.

What is a Subdomain?

The Subdomain is symbolized by an additional word that is in front of your main domain name. This is very useful in several cases, e.g.:

• This can be used to display "exclusive" or targeted content, e.g. by going to faq.infomaniak.com you arrive on the basis of knowledge where all the guides are located
• This can also be used (temporarily or permanently) when creating a new site or redesigning an existing site, by creating e.g. new.domain.xyz when the main site was until then domain.xyz

Prerequisites

• Have at least one field.
• Owning a Web hosting Infomaniak.

Read the guide Add 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, they share the same web pages. The alias is another gateway to your website. P.ex the main website of Infomaniak Network SA is www.infomaniak.com and www.infomaniak.ch is his alias.

The interest of an Alias is to allow you to increase the visibility of your site with your target by offering it more entrance doors to access it.

Prerequisites

• Owning more than one domain names.
• Owning a Web hosting Infomaniak.

Read the guide Add an alias to your web hosting.

The equivalent also exists for Mail Service.