Introduction

Welcome to the documentation for PanelAlpha Engine (opens new window), a Docker-based hosting solution that provides isolated, scalable WordPress hosting environments. Whether you are setting up your first server or managing advanced configurations, this guide will help you maximize the potential of PanelAlpha Engine.

PanelAlpha Engine runs each hosting account in a separate Docker container. This ensures customer data is isolated and can scale based on demand. The solution also suits individual customers whose instances are too large for traditional shared hosting.

Key Features

• Docker-Based Architecture — Each hosting account runs in an isolated Docker container for maximum security and resource control.
• Multiple Web Server Options — Choose between OpenLiteSpeed, LiteSpeed, Apache, Nginx, or Nginx + Apache.
• Advanced Firewall (CSF) — Built-in ConfigServer Security & Firewall for comprehensive server protection.
• Web Application Firewall — Integrated ModSecurity WAF for advanced threat protection.
• IP Management — Flexible IP allocation and management for hosting accounts.
• Automated Backups — Scheduled backups with remote storage support for data protection.
• Performance Monitoring — Real-time resource usage tracking and performance graphs.
• Outgoing Mail Control — Built-in SMTP relay and mail tracking system.
• SSL/TLS Support — Automated SSL certificate management for secure connections.
• Resource Isolation — Complete separation between customer environments.
• Scalability — Easy horizontal and vertical scaling based on demand.
• Background Updates — Zero-downtime updates with automated rollback capabilities.
• Web Server Switching — Change web servers without losing data or configurations.
• WP-CLI Integration — Command-line interface for WordPress management.
• Notification System — Customizable alerts for server events and issues.

Architecture

The diagram below illustrates the architecture of PanelAlpha Engine and how containers are structured and connected.

System Requirements

Your server must meet the following requirements to install PanelAlpha Engine:

• RAM: 4 GB minimum
• Operating System:
  • Debian 12 "bookworm"
  • Debian 13 "trixie"
  • Ubuntu 24.04 LTS (Noble Numbat)
  • Ubuntu 22.04.4 LTS (Jammy Jellyfish)
• SSH Connection with root access
• Open Ports:
  • 80, 443 — website access
  • 2011 — PanelAlpha communication
  • 21 and 30000–30009 — FTP access
  • 2222 — SFTP access

Important: PanelAlpha Engine must be installed on a separate server. Installing both PanelAlpha and PanelAlpha Engine on the same server will cause both installations to become non-functional.

General Questions

What is PanelAlpha Engine?

PanelAlpha Engine is a Docker-based hosting server solution that provides isolated WordPress hosting environments. Each hosting account runs in a separate container, ensuring complete data separation and enhanced security.

How does PanelAlpha Engine differ from traditional hosting panels?

Unlike traditional hosting panels (cPanel, Plesk, DirectAdmin), PanelAlpha Engine uses Docker containerization to isolate each hosting account. This provides better resource control, security, and scalability compared to traditional shared hosting.

Can I use PanelAlpha Engine without PanelAlpha?

No. PanelAlpha Engine is designed to work with PanelAlpha. The main PanelAlpha application manages and controls Engine servers, handling instance creation, monitoring, and administration.

What web servers does PanelAlpha Engine support?

• OpenLiteSpeed — Free, high-performance web server
• LiteSpeed — Commercial enterprise web server with advanced features
• Apache — Traditional, widely compatible web server
• Nginx — High-performance web server for static content
• Nginx + Apache — Combined setup for optimal performance and compatibility

Can I change the web server after installation?

Yes. You can switch between web servers without losing data or configurations. The migration process is automated and typically takes 10–30 minutes with minimal downtime.

How does container isolation work?

Each hosting account runs in its own Docker container with dedicated resources and an isolated file system. Issues in one account cannot affect others, and resources can be precisely allocated and controlled.

Technical Questions

What are the minimum system requirements?

• RAM: 4 GB minimum (8 GB recommended for production)
• Operating System: Debian 12/13 or Ubuntu 22.04.4/24.04 LTS
• Ports: 80, 443 (web); 2011 (PanelAlpha communication); 21 and 30000–30009 (FTP); 2222 (SFTP)
• SSH: Root access required for installation

Can I run PanelAlpha Engine on the same server as PanelAlpha?

No. PanelAlpha Engine must be installed on a separate server. Running both on the same server will cause conflicts and render both installations non-functional.

Does PanelAlpha Engine support email hosting?

PanelAlpha Engine includes outgoing mail capabilities with SMTP relay support. For full email hosting with IMAP/POP3, integrate with a dedicated email server such as Mailcow or cPanel.

Can I update PanelAlpha Engine without downtime?

Yes. PanelAlpha Engine supports background updates that keep the system up to date without interrupting existing hosting services. Updates typically complete in 5–15 minutes.

What backup options are available?

PanelAlpha Engine supports automated backups with:

• Scheduled backup creation
• Remote backup storage (FTP, SFTP, S3-compatible)
• Backup rotation and retention policies
• Quick restore capabilities

Support

This documentation provides comprehensive guidance from initial setup to advanced server management. For technical issues, sales questions, or additional assistance, visit our Support Center (opens new window), explore our Community Forum (opens new window), or join our Discord server (opens new window) for real-time support.