A Virtual private server (VPS) is a type of hosting server in which a parent server is isolated into numerous small servers that are leased to different webmasters. A VPS is simply a small compartment in one big dedicated server where each VPS gets their part of resources based hosting requirements. Even if a VPS is a part of a parent server, it runs independently with its own operating system without any interference from other hosting accounts. The hardware resources are completely dedicated to a VPS on the same server. VPS is scalable and highly customizable to manage and restructure its resources.
VPS has made hosting affordable because it lies in between the cheapest shared hosting and the more expensive dedicated hosting. Like any other server, VPS too has advantages and disadvantages.
Advantages of VPS:
- Hosting Cost: A VPS is cheap because it is a small compartment of a big dedicated server. The resources of the parent server that are leased are shared among webmasters. But, you get fixed amount of resources that are allocated only to you. A low-cost VPS can be a good starting point if you are starting off with your website.
- Server Segregation: Each virtual server operates in isolation with other servers on the same hardware system and there is no direct effect on the server’s activity and customization. The difference in the configuration of the individual VPSs do not affect each other’s performance.
- Performance: VPS performs above shared servers and a little lower than dedicated servers. The performance of VPS can be considerably increased with the help of Virtualization since, VPS has limited allocated resources.
- Security: VPS are secured servers. Since the individual servers are separated in a parent server, they have their own operating system and independent resources. This makes it difficult for individual VPS servers to interfere in each other’s operation.
Disadvantages of VPS:
- Server maintenance: The main disadvantage of VPS is its high maintenance. Maintenance of the VPS is a tedious task for the providers because each VPS has its own operating system, configurations and software. It requires high maintenance to ensure maximum uptime. Along with server management, there are many factors like security and updating that need attention.
- Limited Resources: Sometimes the hosting providers do not provide all the promised resources and provisions. The reason for that is VPS customers do not use all the resources that are allocated to them and so the providers neglect providing some of the resources.
- Chocking of the server: The server can hang or become unresponsive if it is hit by sudden rise in the traffic. The unexpected high traffic exhausts server’s traffic and bandwidth. It is called chocking of the server. That typically happens because the sellers oversell the server because very few webmasters use complete resources of the VPS. Note that not every hosting seller oversells.
Takeaway:
Though VPS servers have some disadvantages they are highly efficient if you are starting off with a website or a blog. VPS is the cheapest alternative for small and medium websites because it gives all the provisions of a dedicated server at much lower costs. If you are thinking to shift from a shared hosting to a VPS choose the company wisely. While choosing VPS provider check the reviews and testimonials of the hosting service. Checking network uptime rates offered by the provider can help you avoid low uptime VPS servers. Also see if the provider is offering unlimited bandwidth and traffic. That can especially be helpful for you if your website is growing with increasing traffic
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