Domains & Services is the phase where a platform‑ready DirectAdmin server begins hosting
real workloads. This phase introduces domains, DNS, SSL certificates, email services, and
per‑domain configuration, all in a deliberate sequence designed to avoid common failures.
Every task in this phase assumes the server has already completed Platform Readiness.
Skipping earlier steps or changing the order here often leads to SSL delays, DNS confusion,
or email deliverability problems.
Primary Domain vs Additional Domains
The first domain added to a DirectAdmin server establishes baseline behavior for DNS,
SSL, email, and PHP configuration. Additional domains reuse much of this foundation,
but some steps apply only once.
- Primary domain tasks are performed once per server
- Additional domain tasks are repeatable
- Guides clearly note when a step applies only to the primary domain
What Is Covered in This Phase
Domains & Services focuses on bringing domains online safely and predictably,
starting with basic resolution and ending with fully authenticated email.
- Adding domains in DirectAdmin
- Per‑domain PHP configuration via DirectAdmin (LiteSpeed‑managed PHP)
- DNS records, nameservers, and TTL planning
- SSL certificate issuance using Let’s Encrypt
- Advanced SSL scenarios (wildcard and chained certificates)
- Email authentication and deliverability
DNS and Nameserver Configuration
DNS configuration is introduced early in this phase because it directly affects SSL
issuance and email validation. Nameserver changes at the registrar are typically
performed only for the primary domain.
Proper sequencing and verification here reduces propagation delays and prevents
certificate issuance failures later in the process.
SSL Certificate Sequencing
SSL certificates are issued using DirectAdmin’s integration with Let’s Encrypt.
While certificate issuance itself is automated, reliable activation depends on
correct DNS state, timing, and order of operations.
The guides in this phase emphasize:
- When to wait before proceeding
- How to avoid rate‑limit lockouts
- How to confirm successful activation
- When wildcard or chained certificates are appropriate
Email Authentication & Deliverability
Email configuration focuses on authentication and deliverability rather than mailbox
features. This phase establishes the DNS records required for modern mail systems
to trust messages sent from the server.
- DKIM for message signing
- SPF for sender authorization
- DMARC for policy and reporting
- Reverse DNS (rDNS) and mail port considerations
These steps are sequenced intentionally, as later records depend on earlier ones
being present and validated.
Per‑Domain PHP Configuration
PHP configuration is applied per domain through DirectAdmin using LiteSpeed‑compatible
PHP handlers. Settings are managed centrally so they persist across OpenLiteSpeed
updates and service restarts.
This configuration applies equally to primary and additional domains, with values
adjusted based on workload requirements.
When This Phase Is Complete
Domains & Services is complete when a domain resolves correctly, SSL is active,
and email authentication records are in place.
- Domains resolve via DNS
- SSL certificates are valid and trusted
- Email authentication records are published
- Per‑domain PHP settings are applied
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Changing nameservers before the server is ready
- Issuing SSL certificates before DNS has propagated
- Skipping SPF or DKIM before publishing DMARC
- Applying generic PHP advice that ignores LiteSpeed behavior
Domains & Services Guides
The following guides document each task required in this phase. They are written to be
followed in sequence, with clear prerequisites and verification steps.
Browse all Domains & Services guides
Next Phase: Maintenance & Operations
Once domains and services are stable, the focus shifts to ongoing updates,
monitoring, and operational reliability.