How to perform cPanel to cPanel migration with zero downtime?

SupportFly’s cPanel Server Specialists help companies all over the world with their server infrastructure. We frequently undertake server migrations for these businesses in reaction to hardware failure, infrastructure upgrades, and even security incidents. cPanel is a popular hosting platform that we support. While we offer complete cPanel server management services, in this post we’ll go through how to perform cPanel to cPanel migration.

What is cPanel to cPanel migration

cPanel has a facility for transferring files from one server to another. This is a very strong feature in that it simplifies the process of transferring from one cPanel server to another. Bear in mind that any configuration files that are affected by the modification will still need to be modified. This tutorial will walk you through the processes of the transfer process.

cPanel to cPanel Migration Checklist

To guarantee that the migration goes smoothly, our cPanel certified admin uses a pre-migration checklist that covers all inspections that must be performed prior to the conversion. This comprises:

Connectivity between both cPanel servers

The origin and destination servers must be able to communicate with one another. We perform checks such as eliminating any firewall restrictions and establishing SSH connectivity to the needed port.

Application version and enabled module compatibility

To avoid site issues, the destination server is installed and configured with cPanel/WHM, PHP/MySQL versions and settings, PHP modules, Apache version and modules, other custom software, and so on that are compatible with those on the source server.

Disks and the partitions in the new server

The number of partitions and disc space availability are ensured in the destination server in order to optimally map the data from the source server and avoid disc space mistakes.

IP address availability in new server

Every cPanel server would have a primary shared IP address as well as one or more dedicated IP addresses for certain domains. We do IP mapping from source to destination server to reduce IP waste and meet site requirements.

Reseller account and a list of addon domains

Reseller accounts, which have several accounts beneath them, and addon domains, which are parked atop normal domains, are examples of accounts in cPanel servers. Making a list of them enables us to check and validate their existence in the new server.

SSL certificates

SSL certificates are domain-specific. We verify and copy these SSL certificates to the new server to confirm that SSL is also available on the destination server.

Steps for cPanel to cPanel migration

Account migration from one cPanel server to another involves careful planning and execution in order to avoid downtime. Here are the steps you need to follow to perform cPanel to cPanel migration.

Reduce the TTL value

DNS caching is a common issue encountered during domain relocation. DNS resolvers typically store query results for a period of time, resulting in a delay in resolving the domain to the new server.

To save cache time, we lower the TTL value of domains and let them propagate before performing the move. As a result, we accomplish zero downtime for sites, as opposed to the typical 24 – 48 hour downtime during migration.

Certain domains may resolve to or use external mail servers. Such domains are carefully identified and extra care is taken to ensure that they are transferred intact to the new server.

Migrate the domains to the new server

We begin the migration after the DNS propagation is complete. While cPanel/WHM permits transfers via the interface, connectivity concerns and large accounts may prevent transfers.

We isolate such accounts and transfer them manually across the servers securely using the rsync programme to minimise time-outs and issues when moving large sized accounts or databases via WHM.

Re-sync the databases, mails and site contents

Some data may be lost or changed in the source server following the migration in the case of accounts transferred using the cPanel/WHM interface.

To ensure zero data loss for domains, we re-sync the databases and messages after the DNS propagation is complete. This allows us to assure that all dynamic changes made on the source server are replicated on the destination server.

Verify that the websites are loading well

Domain DNS records should be updated with the new IP addresses assigned to them by the destination server. We do this by updating the records in bulk using bespoke scripts.

Before and after migration, we conduct a study of the top ten domains that consume the most server resources, and we monitor them to guarantee that the websites are loading properly without generating any hitches on the new server.

Database-driven websites and those that employ bespoke software are specifically evaluated to ensure that database connectivity is working properly and that the sites and emails are working properly on the destination server.

Sites with custom PHP settings, email filters, or redirection URLs in the.htaccess file are inspected and updated in the destination server to ensure smooth operation.

Post-migration updates

To avoid DNS conflicts, we verify that the domains are resolving to the new server’s name servers and IP addresses after domain movement. We then reset the site’s TTL value to its original value.

There are licences set with the IP address of the server where the domain is hosted for software like WHMCS, kayako, and others. We update these software licences in the new server with the new IP address.

To avoid conflicts, we shut down the old server after configuring and activating the IP on the new one.

Conclusion

cPanel to cPanel migration with zero downtime necessitates meticulous planning and execution. Selecting a good hosting provider, creating a temporary URL, uploading files and databases, testing the migrated site, and eventually changing DNS records are some of the important tasks involved in the process. To ensure a smooth and seamless transfer experience, it is critical to carefully follow these procedures and collaborate closely with your hosting provider.

It is feasible to accomplish cPanel-to-cPanel migration with zero downtime, reducing disturbance to your website and assuring uninterrupted service for your users, with careful planning and execution. At SupportFly, we help businesses complete cPanel to cPanel migration and also offer cPanel server support services. Our cPanel certified admins help businesses in resolving all cPanel server related issues.