---
title: Configuring a virtual host
description: The virtual host is the external-facing portion of an API. In a sideband deployment, the virtual host contains the actual host name and port for the protected API.
component: pingaccess
version: 9.0
page_id: pingaccess:pingaccess_use_cases:pa_api_sideband_configuring_a_virtual_host
canonical_url: https://docs.pingidentity.com/pingaccess/9.1/pingaccess_use_cases/pa_api_sideband_configuring_a_virtual_host.html
revdate: February 6, 2023
superseded_by: https://docs.pingidentity.com/pingaccess/9.1/pingaccess_use_cases/pa_api_sideband_configuring_a_virtual_host.html
section_ids:
  about-this-task: About this task
  steps: Steps
---

# Configuring a virtual host

## About this task

The virtual host is the external-facing portion of an API. In a sideband deployment, the virtual host contains the actual host name and port for the protected API.

For more information about this procedure, including optional steps that are not included here, see [Creating new virtual hosts](../pingaccess_user_interface_reference_guide/pa_creating_new_virtual_hosts.html).

## Steps

1. Click **Applications**, then go to **Applications > Virtual Hosts**.

2. Click **[icon: plus, set=fa]Add Virtual Host**.

3. In the **Host** field, enter the name for the virtual host.

   This is the host name of the protected API. For example, myHost.com. You can use a wildcard (`*`) for part or all of the host name. For example, `*.example.com` matches all host names ending in .example.com, and `*` matches all host names.

4. In the **Port** field, enter the port number for the virtual host. For example, `443`.

5. Click **Save**.