Quick answer: Extra IPv4 addresses for a VPS are added as a configurable option at order time or later via a support ticket. Because IPv4 is a scarce, RIPE-regulated resource, a short usage justification may be required (e.g. SSL for separate services, mail separation, hosting multiple clients). After assignment, configure the new IP on the server.
Overview
Each VPS comes with a dedicated IPv4. Additional addresses cost extra and must be justified — regional Internet registries (RIPE NCC in Europe) require providers to document utilisation. Legitimate needs include separate IPs per client, dedicated IPs for mail reputation, or legacy apps that can't share via SNI/virtual hosts.
Before you start
- Count how many extra IPs you need and write one line of justification per use.
- Check whether you actually need them: name-based virtual hosts and SNI SSL let one IP serve many sites.
- Your service ID from the Client Area.
Step-by-step guide
- At order time: select extra IPv4 in the configurable options during checkout.
- On a running service: open a ticket with the service ID, number of IPs and the justification.
- Wait for assignment — the new addresses appear under Assigned IPs on the service page.
- Configure on the server (Ubuntu netplan example — add the address alongside the primary):
sudo nano /etc/netplan/50-cloud-init.yaml # under the interface's addresses: list, add # - NEW_IP/24 (mask exactly as shown in the Client Area) sudo netplan apply ip -4 addr show - Set reverse DNS (PTR) for the new IP in the Client Area if it will send mail.
Common issues
- Request rejected as unjustified: "just in case" is not a RIPE-acceptable reason — state the concrete services.
- IP added but not reachable: it must be configured on the interface (step 4) — assignment alone isn't enough.
- Mail from the new IP goes to spam: set PTR, SPF and warm the IP up gradually.
When to contact support
All post-order IP additions go via ticket. Also contact us if an assigned IP does not route after correct configuration — include ip addr output and ping results. For dedicated servers see the dedicated-server variant.
Frequently asked questions
Why do extra IPv4 addresses need justification?
IPv4 is exhausted and regional registries (RIPE) require providers to document utilisation. A one-line real use case per IP is enough.
What are valid reasons for extra IPs?
Separate clients or services, dedicated mail IPs for reputation, legacy applications that cannot share an address via SNI or virtual hosts.
The IP was assigned but does not work — why?
It must also be configured on the server interface (netplan or equivalent). Assignment in the panel alone does not bring it up.
Related articles
- IPv4 and IPv6 overview
- How to configure IPv6 on VPS
- How to request additional IPv4 addresses (dedicated)
- Basic terminology: VPS, VDS, bandwidth, IP, traffic
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