What Is A Dedicated Server? (And When Do You Need One)
What Is A Dedicated Server?
There are three main types of web hosting available: shared servers, VPS (virtual private servers) and dedicated servers. The first two options presuppose dividing one server between multiple users (in shared hosting, their number can reach several thousands).
It is a different solution: this is a physical machine that belongs to one user only, which means a user can exploit all of its resources (RAM, processing power, storage) by his own without having to share them with anyone.
Dedicated servers are often used by large organizations that require a lot of server power. When you have your own dedicated server, you don’t have to share server resources with anyone else. This can be great for companies with high traffic or those who need custom configurations and special software.
These servers usually come with a higher price tag than shared hosting, because you’re essentially renting an entire physical server. But this also means that you get more control over the server environment, including custom configurations and root access.
In relation to dedicated hosting, a dedicated server (often called simply a “server,”) is a computer that is used only as a network server; it stores and delivers websites or other Internet-based content and services to users.
It can be either a physical machine—a stand-alone computer with its own processing, memory, storage, and networking capabilities—or it can be a virtual machine (VM), which resides on a physical server.
Benefits of Dedicated Server Hosting
- Highest Uptime
In a world where convenience is everything and consumers aren’t used to waiting, it’s critical to ensure that a website is always operational; downtime could lead to customers switching to competitors.
Dedicated server hosting provides high performance and stability, ensuring that websites and other business functions are operational nearly 100% of the time (usually upwards of 99%).
- Server Customization
A dedicated server provides a level of freedom and control that other hosting services do not. Because the server is dedicated to one customer and there are no other customers, the server can be customized to that customer’s specific needs. Customization ensures that they can choose and pay for the features they need.
- Highest Security
Although shared hosting is the most affordable option, it is not 100% secure platform as many users share the same server and its resources. Websites on the same server may get affected if one of the websites is exposed to viruses, flaws, hackers, or blacklisting. VPS hosting offers a higher level of security than shared hosting. In some cases, viruses can make all of the server’s websites vulnerable. The most secure hosting option is dedicated hosting. The chance of being attacked is reduced significantly.
Additionally, clients who use a dedicated platform can deploy security measures, such as anti-virus and firewall configurations tailored to their own functions. Clients can also avoid security vulnerabilities introduced by neighboring clients.
Furthermore, dedicated servers housed in data centers can benefit from physical security measures such as biometric authentication, security guards, and mantraps.
- Scalability
Providers allow you to change the hardware of your dedicated server when needed. You can request more processing power, storage space, or bandwidth, and the vendor will configure the server to meet your new needs.
A dedicated server allows you to scale up and down based on your current needs. When you request a setup update, the IT team needs time to procure parts, build the configuration, and set it up. Some custom configurations may take several hours to deploy if you have an on-premises server.
To get the most out of this dedicated server benefit, you must carefully plan your scaling plans. Instead of adding and removing components on a regular basis, which causes unnecessary downtime, align server changes with your business plan.
- Managed Services
Most providers offer managed hosting services if you decide to rent a dedicated server. Plans that include server management vary depending on the vendor, but most are prepared to handle:
- Setup and configuration of devices
- Maintenance in general
- Responsibilities for backup and recovery
- Monitoring the server
- Software updates
- Fast Website Load Speed
Elements load faster when there are more resources available. Whatever software you host on a dedicated server will be faster than in a shared or VPS hosting environment.
Website speed is one of the key SEO factors Google considers when determining search engine ranking, so having a fast website will help your company rank higher in search results. A dedicated server is the most effective way for a complex website to achieve these speeds.
How Does Dedicated Server Hosting Compare To Other Hosting Types?
Dedicated server hosting certainly comes with its perks. But, how does it compare to other hosting types? Let’s take a look.
1. Dedicated servers vs shared hosting
Shared hosting is the most common type of web hosting, and involves sharing server resources with other customers on the same server. Because of its affordability, it’s a go-to hosting option for small businesses or anyone just starting out.
Dedicated servers cost a great deal more, but can be great for larger organizations that require a lot of server power to themselves. It’s better suited for businesses with high traffic or those who need custom configurations and special software.
2. Dedicated servers vs virtual private servers
When comparing virtual private servers to dedicated servers, it’s important to keep in mind that a virtual private server is still sharing resources with other customers. However, each customer has their own “slice” of the server, which gives them more control than they would have on a shared server. Dedicated servers allow you to have complete control over the server environment.
Virtual private servers also differ from dedicated servers in that they’re usually managed by the hosting company. This means that the hosting company will take care of patching, security updates, and other server maintenance tasks.
3. Dedicated servers vs cloud hosting
Cloud hosting is a newer type of hosting that’s becoming more popular for small businesses and organizations. With cloud hosting, your site is hosted on a cluster of servers, which can be great for scalability and redundancy.
In fact, some cloud hosting providers offer “pay as you go” pricing, which can be great for businesses that experience spikes in traffic. On the other side of the coin, dedicated servers offer more control and power, but they can be more expensive.
Do I Need a Dedicated Server?
In fact, a dedicated server is highly recommendable for any web project that concerns processing a lot of traffic and computation tasks. You’ve just started a website? If you expect it to become popular, you can future-proof it with the help of a dedicated server. Such hosting solution can come in handy for the following purposes:
- Hosting of websites with huge traffic and media files.
- Running, development and testing of applications.
- Databases and storage of personal/corporate files.
- Development of enterprise infrastructure.
The list is not confined to these options only – you can invent your own way of usage. Some dedicated server owners divide it virtually and lease to other users. Others apply it for MMORPG and online games for their ‘clans’. Your freedom is not restricted, just consider the budget and your needs.