Our datacentre partner is making network improvements which require some server IP addresses to change. An IP address is the numerical address that helps internet traffic find your website or server.

This article explains what the change may mean for your website and when you may need to take action.

No planned downtime is expected. The existing and new IP addresses will operate alongside each other during the changeover period, allowing time for DNS records and any connected systems to be updated safely.

Your website files, email and server setup are not being moved. Only the server’s public IP address is changing as part of wider network infrastructure improvements.

DNS is the system that links your domain name, such as obrienmedia.co.uk, to the correct server IP address. Where necessary, DNS records will need to be updated to use the new address.

The change supports upgrades to our datacentre partner’s network. These improvements are intended to increase capacity, reliability and performance.

For most O’Brien Media-managed websites, we will identify any required DNS changes and arrange them with you where appropriate.

If O’Brien Media manages your DNS, we will make the required changes for you. You can also view and manage your DNS records yourself in the DNS section of Client Connect.

You may need to take action if:

• Your DNS is managed by a third party and we do not have access to update it.
• You use an external firewall, payment gateway, stock system or another service that restricts access by IP address.
• Your website sends email directly from the server and its SPF record includes the old IP address.

If any of these apply, we will provide the new IP address and explain exactly what needs changing.

Depending on your setup, the following records may need attention:

• A records: These point your website domain or subdomain to the server. Any records using the old IP address must be updated.
• SPF records: If your domain’s SPF record includes the old server IP address, the new one may need to be added or substituted.

We recommend checking every domain and subdomain connected to the hosting account.

If O’Brien Media manages your DNS, we will make the required changes for you. You can also view and manage your DNS records yourself in the DNS section of Client Connect.

If your DNS is managed by another provider, such as your domain registrar or Cloudflare, we can provide the new IP address and clear instructions on what needs to be updated.

Some third-party services may rely on the old IP address. For example:

• Firewall allow-lists
• Payment or booking platforms
• Inventory systems
• Remote access rules
• Other security or access-control settings

If you use any systems like these, please let us know so we can help check whether an update is needed.

We will contact affected O’Brien Media customers directly with any relevant details and recommended next steps. If you are unsure, please open a support request through Client Connect and we will check your hosting setup.

Please let us know once the change has been made. We can then verify that your website is using the new address and help ensure there are no remaining services relying on the old one.

Please contact the O’Brien Media support team, we will explain the change in plain English and help you work out whether any action is needed.