Multi Domain SSL Certificate
A Single SSL Certificate Protecting Communications of Up to 250 Domains
With rapidly growing industries, organizations are coming up with different ventures. And to promote their services across digital platforms, websites, web-based apps, and online portals are getting developed. As a result, the requirement for SSL Certificate is increasing. However, purchasing different SSL Certificates for each website can be expensive, and managing them can be a headache. But you can seamlessly save your budget and handle multiple websites’ security with a Multi Domain SSL Certificate.
What is a Multi Domain SSL Certificate?
As the name defines, Multi-Domain SAN SSL Certificate is a digital solution aiding companies to encrypt data transmission over various domains through one certificate. It creates an encrypted communication channel for your website, similar to any other SSL certificate. However, its capability to protect up to 250 domains with a solo certificate makes it a superior alternative.
Furthermore, the SAN in Multi-Domain is for Subject Alternative Name. You can consider SAN as the name of the additional domain. For instance, if you purchase a cheap Multi Domain SSL Certificate, it can protect up to 250 domains. Although, at first, it allows configuring only three domains. And, if you want to secure more domains, you have to purchase additional SANs.
Hence, the SANs advance the functionality of Multi Domain SSL Certificates, enabling encryption configuration to more domains. In addition, Multi Domain (SAN) SSL Certificates is available at all three validation levels, i.e.:
- Domain Validation Level
- Organization Validation Level
- Extended Validation Level
Type of Domains You Can Secure With Multi-Domain SAN SSL Certificate
If you utilize a Multi-Domain SAN SSL Certificate, you can secure up to 250 different domains. Although, the only condition is that a single organization must own all the domains.
For instance, an organization can secure the following domains:
- www.domain1.com
- www.domain1.net
- www.domain1234.com
- www.domain999.in
- www.heyitsadomain.uk
- blog.domain1.com
- customer.domain999.in
In addition, if you want to secure a subdomain, you will require an additional SAN. As we see in the above list, blog.domain1.com is a subdomain of www.domain1.com. But, an additional SAN is needed to secure it under Multi Domain (SAN) SSL Certificates.
When an end-user requests a single domain in the list, the server will send CNAME and SAN details simultaneously. Therefore, stakeholders can see the names of different domains getting protected under a single Multi Domain SAN SSL Certificates.
The Difference Between Multi-Domain and Wildcard SSL Certificates
Multi-Domain and Wildcard SSL Certificates both can secure subdomains. However, both are entirely different from each other. And it’s necessary to understand the difference for making a reliable decision.
| Basis | Multi-Domain (SAN) SSL Certificate | Wildcard SSL Certificate |
|---|---|---|
| Domain Coverage | A Multi-Domain (SAN) SSL certificate can secure a maximum of 250 domains or subdomains. Example: www.domain1.com www.domain1.uk www.domain333.in blog.domain333.in sales.domain1.com | A Wildcard SSL Certificate secures a single primary domain and all the associated subdomains. Example: www.domain1.com blog.domain1.com admin.domain1.com sales.domain1.com |
| Domain/Subdomain Handling | You can handle up to 250 domains and subdomains using a single Multi-Domain SAN SSL certificate. | You can manage one primary domain and limitless subdomains with a single Wildcard SSL certificate. |
| Adding Domains and Subdomains | By default, most of the Multi-Domain certificates allow security for three domains. If you want to add more under it, you have to purchase additional SANs. | You have to purchase a certificate only once. Further, you can add any number of subdomains when the certificate is valid. |
| Expert’s Standpoint | You must select the Multi Domain SAN SSL certificate | if you own multiple domains. A Wildcard SSL certificate is perfect if you have only one domain and numerous associated subdomains. |
| Affordability | Price is primarily equal to Wildcard Certificate but can increase according to the number of SANs. | The price is reasonable compared to Multi Domain (SAN) SSL Certificate, as the cost depends upon CA, Validation Level, and warranty amount. |
| Validation Level | Available at: Domain Validation Level Organization Validation Level Extended Validation Level | Available at: Domain Validation Level Organization Validation Level |
Compatibility Between Multi-Domain SAN SSL Certificate and Browsers
When a client browser communicates with the server, it checks the host or the CNAME for SSL verification. The main aim of the browser is to validate whether the SSL/TLS Certificate details align with the domain in the address bar.
When you utilize a Multi-Domain SSL Certificate, you must add domains in the Subject Alternative Name field. If you don’t add the domain names under the SAN field, the user will get disabled from accessing your website. And once all your domains get listed in the SAN field, the browser will check the SSL certificate and then analyze the SAN list.
Further, after it finds the hostname in it, the website will get loaded along with an HTTPS connection.
Procedure To Obtain the Multi-Domain SAN SSL Certificate
A Multi-Domain SAN SSL Certificate is available at all three validation levels, DV, OV, and EV. You have to follow the procedure according to the validation level for obtaining the certificate.
For DV Multi Domain SSL Certificate:
To obtain DV Multi Domain SSL Certificates, you get three alternative approaches as follows:
- Prove domain ownership through a verification link sent to the registered email address.
- To upload a file sent by CA on the server.
- To add the CNAME and redirect it to the Certificate Authority.
For OV Multi Domain SSL Certificate:
To avail of an OV Multi Domain SSL Certificates, you must prove your business’s legitimacy. Moreover, you must submit documents containing details, such as a physical address, government license information, and an active telephone number.
The Certificate Authority will cross-verify all the details with the government database. And for final confirmation, you will get a call from the Certificate Authority’s representative.
For EV Multi Domain SSL Certificate:
To be eligible for the EV certificate, your organization must be operating for a minimum of three years. Along with all the documents necessary for OV validation, you have to submit additional documents defining your operational existence.
The CA will strictly assess all the documents per CA/B Forum and call you for final verification. After completing all the requirements, CA will issue you an SSL Certificate.
The Cutting-Edge Multi-Domain SSL Features
Some of the prominent features of a Multi-Domain SSL Certificate include the following:
- Coverage of up to 200+ domains
- 25-Bit Data Encryption across all listed domains
- Flexibility to avail at any validation level
- Unlimited Reissuance and Server License
- Warranty Amount, according to Validation Level
- 99.9% Web and Mobile browser compatibility
- HTTPS and Padlock across all listed domains/subdomains
- 2048-Bit Encryption Key Length
Concluding Up
Multi Domain SSL Certificate is capable of securing numerous domains at once. You only have to handle a single certificate to manage your different domains. Moreover, you can avail of the Multi-Domain certificate according to your validation level requirement. However, the only condition is that your organization must own all the domains listed under it.
Furthermore, it also helps to save budget and reduce the workload of managing different certificates. You only have to purchase additional SANs if you have further need. Hence, Multi-Domain SAN SSL Certificate is a suitable choice for securing 200+ different domains or IP addresses.
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