This guide walks you through configuring a custom domain to serve content from Onidel Object Storage, enabling you to host static websites or serve files using your own domain name instead of the default Onidel storage URLs.

Prerequisites

Before starting, ensure you have:

An active Onidel Object Storage service.
A registered domain name that you control
Access to your domain's DNS management panel
A Cloudflare account (recommended for SSL and CDN capabilities)

Overview

Onidel Object Storage supports static website hosting with custom domains through a straightforward configuration process. By creating a specially-named bucket and configuring DNS records, you can serve your content directly from your own domain with full SSL support through Cloudflare's proxy service.

Step 1: Create a Domain-Matched Bucket

The first requirement is creating a bucket with a name that exactly matches your intended domain.

Creating the Bucket

Navigate to your Onidel Object Storage dashboard and create a new bucket. The bucket name must precisely match the domain or subdomain you plan to use.

Examples:

For example.com, create a bucket named example.com
For cdn.example.com, create a bucket named cdn.example.com
For assets.mysite.io, create a bucket named assets.mysite.io

The bucket name must match the full domain including any subdomains. This naming convention is essential for the routing system to correctly map requests to your bucket.

Throughout this tutorial, we use a setup based on the domain mydomain.onidel.com.au.

Step 2: Configure Bucket Visibility

After creating your bucket, you need to modify its access permissions to allow public access for web hosting.

Changing Visibility Settings

Access your bucket through the Onidel Object Storage dashboard
Navigate to the Settings tab for your bucket
Locate the Bucket Visibility in Access & Versioning section
Change the setting from Private to Public

This modification allows anonymous users to read objects in your bucket, which is necessary for serving website content to visitors.

Step 3: Enable Static Website Hosting

With your bucket configured for public access, the next step is enabling static website hosting functionality.

Activating Website Hosting

Navigate to the Website tab for you bucket.
Enable the static website hosting option
Configure the following settings as needed:

a. Index Document: Specify your default page (typically index.html)

b. Error Document: Define your custom error page (typically 404.html or error.html)
Save your configuration

Understanding Your Website Endpoint

Once static website hosting is enabled, Onidel Object Storage generates a unique website endpoint for your bucket. This endpoint follows a specific format based on your bucket's region:

http://<your-domain>.s3-website.<region>.onidel.cloud

Make note of this endpoint URL as you'll need it for DNS configuration in the next step.

Step 4: Configure DNS Records

The final step involves pointing your domain to the Onidel Object Storage endpoint through DNS configuration.

Access your domain's DNS management panel (this might be through your domain registrar, Cloudflare, or another DNS provider) and create a CNAME record pointing to the endpoint from step 3. We recommend using Cloudflare to take advantages of automatic SSL/TLS encryption, CDN caching and DDoS protection:

Verifying Your Configuration

After completing the setup, verify your configuration:

DNS Propagation: Wait 5-15 minutes for DNS changes to propagate
Test Access: Navigate to your domain in a web browser
SSL Verification: If using Cloudflare proxy, verify HTTPS access works

Your custom domain is now configured to serve content from Onidel Object Storage. Visitors accessing your domain will receive files directly from your bucket (with SSL encryption through Cloudflare's proxy if using Cloudflare).

If you encounter any issues during setup, please open a support ticket through your dashboard and we'll be happy to assist.

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Using your own domain with Onidel Object Storage