What is VPS Hosting?

Many small businesses initially embark on their website journey with shared web hosting plans. However, there inevitably comes a point where the limitations of shared hosting become evident.

If the cost of enterprise-scale dedicated hosting is more than what you require, a practical alternative is to consider transitioning to a virtual private server (VPS) plan.

In our effort to guide you toward the optimal solution for your website, we will delve into the intricacies of virtual private server (VPS) hosting – explaining its nature and functionality. We will explore the array of features, the diverse types of VPS, and the numerous benefits that stem from employing this hosting solution. Lastly, we’ll provide insights on when it’s time to upgrade your hosting and share valuable advice on selecting the right hosting plan.

Defining VPS Hosting:

VPS hosting stands as a distinctive hosting service utilizing virtual machines to share resources on a physical server. It thrives in a sweet spot, catering to websites experiencing traffic surges that surpass shared hosting limits but fall short of necessitating the extensive resources associated with a dedicated server.

VPS Hosting in Comparison to Shared and Dedicated Hosting:

• The hosting landscape primarily comprises shared, dedicated, and VPS hosting plans.
• Shared hosting plans are the budget-friendly choice, providing limited storage and bandwidth while striving to accommodate numerous websites on a single physical server.
• These plans are ideally suited for websites with modest resource requirements, such as personal blogs, and can be suitable for certain small businesses.
• Conversely, dedicated hosting revolves around a single website, involving the complete rental of an entire server. This high-end hosting option is the most expensive, tailored for large-scale enterprises and websites attracting substantial traffic.
• VPS hosting occupies a middle ground between shared and dedicated hosting. Similar to dedicated hosting, it can handle substantial storage and high bandwidth needs.
• However, the key distinction lies in the fact that multiple users share the server, resembling shared hosting to a certain extent. Despite this sharing, a designated portion of resources is allocated to your account, irrespective of the resource usage of other websites hosted on the same server.

A Comparative Overview: Shared, VPS, and Dedicated Hosting

The Inner Workings:

VPS hosting leverages virtualization technology to partition a single physical server into multiple virtual servers, achieving a remarkable level of resource segregation.

Hosting providers employ a hypervisor, a specialized software acting as a virtual machine monitor (VMM), orchestrating the creation and simulation of various virtual machines (VMs), often referred to as guests.

The hypervisor carves out separate virtual compartments within the host server’s operating system (OS). This ingenious approach empowers the server to support multiple guests, enabling them to install their unique software and operating systems.

In essence, virtualization endeavors to grant users sharing a single server a semblance of private space, thus the name “virtual private server.”

This method sets VPS apart from shared hosting, mitigating concerns where one resource-hungry website negatively impacts the performance of other co-hosted sites. Furthermore, VPS implementations can span across multiple physical servers, providing redundancy and the capability to scale up storage resources if necessary.

A Glimpse into VPS Hosting Mechanics

Understanding How Virtualization Works:

VPS operates in a distinct manner when compared to shared hosting. With shared hosting, whenever a website consumes an excessive amount of the shared server’s resources, the performance of other co-hosted websites is adversely affected. However, this is not the case with VPS.

Furthermore, your virtual machine has the potential to be hosted across multiple physical servers, yet it appears as if it resides on a single server. This provides a significant advantage – if one of these servers experiences downtime, your website remains operational due to the presence of backup resources. Moreover, you have the flexibility to expand your storage space should the need arise.

VPS Hosting Use Cases:

VPS hosting serves specific purposes, making it a fitting choice for various entities such as eCommerce websites, software-as-a-service (SaaS) providers, agencies, programmers, and developers engaged in building multiple websites. Essentially, VPS hosting becomes a necessity when a shared hosting plan fails to provide the necessary resources for your website.

VPS hosting emerges as a highly beneficial option for these categories of websites, offering several valuable features:

1. A secure backup environment.
2. File storage is accessible from anywhere in the world.
3. Support for email hosting and cloud-based services.

Advantages:

VPS hosting brings forth an array of advantages that cater to different aspects of website management:

1. Storage and bandwidth: VPS hosting allocates specific storage and bandwidth resources to each user, ensuring sufficient resources to effectively run your website.
2. Server control: In contrast to shared hosting, where users have limited access to the server environment due to predefined conditions set by the hosting provider, VPS hosting provides comprehensive control over the server. This allows you to install custom software, configure the website infrastructure, and implement security features.
3. Reliability: VPS hosting minimizes reliance on a single server. Thanks to virtualization, servers consist of multiple nodes. Consequently, if one node encounters an issue and experiences a crash, backup resources are in place. This feature proves invaluable, particularly for eCommerce websites where downtime can result in significant financial losses.

VPS hosting’s reliability ensures consistent performance even in the face of potential server disruptions.

These advantages encapsulate the key reasons many businesses and website owners opt for VPS hosting solutions, seeking to harness the benefits they offer.

iRexta’s VPS hosting plans encompass a diverse range of advantages that can significantly enhance your website’s performance and reliability, making them a compelling choice for those looking to upgrade their hosting.

Ensuring High Performance:

By employing a virtual private server, you’re guaranteed a high level of performance. This choice mitigates the risks associated with suddenly running out of storage, a common occurrence with shared hosting solutions.

Privacy and Security:

VPS hosting significantly enhances security compared to standard shared hosting. The inclusion of virtual partitions effectively isolates websites from one another, reducing the risk of “contamination” from compromised sites. This isolation adds an extra layer of protection.

Furthermore, with VPS hosting, you gain greater control over your website’s security. Some web hosting providers, like iRexta, offer essential security features and may even assist with maintenance. For instance, iRexta’s VPS plans come with free SSL certificates, bolstering your website’s security.

Flexibility and Scalability:

One of the most notable advantages of VPS hosting lies in its flexibility and scalability. Whenever you require additional resources, you can seamlessly augment your capacity by borrowing resources from another VPS if necessary. This scalable approach owes its success to the hypervisor, which empowers the host computer to support multiple servers and virtual machines, all the while sharing its resources.

Types of VPS Hosting: A Comparative Look:

When considering VPS hosting, it’s crucial to understand the two primary types: fully managed VPS hosting and unmanaged VPS hosting. Knowing the distinctions between these options is key to choosing the best fit for your website.

Fully Managed VPS:

In a fully managed VPS hosting plan, the hosting company assumes the responsibility for all technical aspects. This option is particularly well-suited for busy teams or companies lacking dedicated IT support, as the web host handles all the intricate details.

Pros:

1. The web hosting service manages your technical needs, including server maintenance, updates, monitoring, and security.
2. Plans typically include comprehensive technical support.

Cons:

1. The cost is higher due to the inclusion of expertise and convenience.
2. Customization options are limited as the hosting company defines the server configuration and specifications.
3. Installing software may require administrator approval.

Best for:

1. Teams lack the technical knowledge and experience to manage their servers.
2. Website owners without a dedicated developer/server administrator.

Unmanaged VPS:

Also known as self-managed VPS, this option grants users complete control over their virtual private servers. The hosting company’s sole responsibility is to provide the physical servers.

Pros:

1. You have the freedom to customize your server without waiting, making it ideal for swift installations.
2. It’s more cost-effective than managed VPS hosting.

These attributes make unmanaged VPS suitable for:

1. Users seek the freedom to customize their server environment.
2. Those looking for a more budget-friendly option, are willing to manage their server’s technical aspects.

Drawbacks and Ideal Users:

On the downside:

1. You’ll need to handle troubleshooting on your own if issues arise.
2. If your server administrator lacks experience, you might require additional assistance.
3.  Best suited for: Teams possessing ample technical knowledge and experience to effectively manage their own servers.

Determining When to Switch to VPS Hosting:

Considering a shift from shared to VPS hosting? Here are several key reasons that make a compelling case for adopting a VPS hosting service:

1. Your website’s performance is deteriorating: Slow loading times or frequent server errors can stem from multiple causes:

• • An influx of higher-than-usual traffic.
  • Hosting an extensive volume of files.
  • Your web server’s inability to keep up with the demands of your website.

This slowdown poses significant challenges, especially for online stores, as loading speed can significantly impact conversions. Research by Portent revealed that websites loading within 1 second enjoy a conversion rate five times higher than those loading in 10 seconds. If you’ve already optimized your website but still encounter sluggish loading speeds using a shared hosting plan, it’s likely time to consider the benefits of VPS hosting.

2. You operate an eCommerce store: A shared hosting plan simply isn’t sufficient for the demands of an online shop.

• • eCommerce sites attract more traffic compared to blogs, necessitating additional resources.
  • These websites also demand secure environments due to the sensitive nature of personal and financial information they handle.

3. You’ve encountered security breaches: Shared hosting environments face a heightened risk of being targeted by cyberattacks. An illustrative example is the case of hackers breaching a hosting company’s shared environment and implanting malware on its servers in December 2022. The attackers subsequently gained access to website credentials for some users on those servers.

In a shared hosting scenario, a cyberattack targeting one website compromises others on the same server since multiple users share the same space. This concern does not apply to VPS environments.

VPS-hosted websites, thanks to virtualization, give the appearance of being hosted on a single server, even though website files are likely distributed across multiple servers. This setup safeguards against server compromise – if one server is compromised, the other servers remain unaffected and operational.

4. Custom file installations: While shared hosting works well for WordPress users, it may fall short when you need to install custom software or perform specific configurations. A hosting plan with more control is necessary for these requirements.

Choosing the Optimal VPS Plan:

Having grasped the essence of VPS hosting and the reasons for upgrading, it’s essential to consider the following factors when selecting the best VPS plan for your needs.

Here’s a revised version of the text:

When considering VPS hosting options, several factors should guide your decision-making process:

1. Technical Proficiency: Understanding your team’s technical skills is essential in selecting the right VPS hosting type. If you prefer a hands-on approach and have the expertise, an unmanaged VPS plan might be suitable. Conversely, if you’d like experts to handle the technical aspects of server management, a fully managed VPS plan is the better choice.
2. Compatibility with Technology: Ensure that the VPS hosting plan aligns with your operating system (OS). For example, if you’re running on Windows, your VPS host should support Windows. While some VPS plans support multiple OSs, others do not, so it’s wise to confirm this information with sales or customer support before signing up.
3. Root Access: Root access grants users authority to control and customize the server. If you opt for a fully managed plan, this aspect is managed by technicians. At iRexta, we offer complete root access for both VPS and dedicated hosting plans.
4. Storage and Bandwidth: Choose a plan based on your current storage and bandwidth needs, with the flexibility to upgrade as your requirements grow. iRexta’s VPS plans come in three tiers, all offering unmetered bandwidth, but differing in RAM and SSD storage. Our plans range from the entry-level Standard plan with 2 GB RAM and 120 GB SSD to the high-end Ultimate plan with 8 GB RAM and 240 GB SSD.
5. High Uptime: A high storage and bandwidth allocation is ineffective if your website experiences frequent downtime. Seek a hosting provider with uptime as close to 100% as possible. iRexta achieved a 99.91% uptime rating in 2022, according to a reputable review website.
6. Cost Consideration: While VPS hosting is generally more expensive than shared options, it provides a cost-effective alternative to dedicated hosting. Compare plans based on factors such as CPU cores, RAM, and storage technology, like SSDs, which enhance the performance of resource-intensive applications.
7. Customer Support: Timely and effective customer support is vital, especially when encountering server-related issues. At iRexta, we offer 24/7 customer and technical support via phone, email, and live chat.

In summary, VPS hosting plans offer enhanced security, storage, control, and bandwidth compared to shared options, without the steep price of dedicated servers. It’s crucial to select the right VPS plan to meet your specific needs. If you value professional management, our fully managed VPS plan is a great choice. For those familiar with server configurations and customization, our unmanaged VPS plans are available at iRexta, featuring unlimited bandwidth, domains, reliable SSD storage, and round-the-clock customer support. Get started with us today!

Frequently Asked Questions:

• What are the benefits?

The primary advantage of VPS hosting is gaining the advantages of dedicated web hosting at a more affordable cost. This plan is ideal if you want to explore dedicated hosting features while maintaining a connection to shared hosting or without committing to a dedicated server. VPS hosting offers increased storage and bandwidth, better server control, enhanced security and reliability, and easier scalability compared to shared web hosting.

• What are the drawbacks?

The disadvantages of VPS hosting depend on your specific needs. If you’re considering costs and have basic web hosting requirements, the price point might be a drawback, as it’s pricier than shared plans. Additionally, if you’re seeking a server with extensive control and storage capabilities, VPS hosting may not offer as much as dedicated plans.

• How much does cost per month?

A basic VPS hosting plan typically starts at around $30 per month. Although there are cheaper VPS hosting options available, they often lack the value provided by more expensive plans, which utilize the latest hardware and software to offer superior quality and reliability.

• When is the right time to upgrade?

The optimal time to upgrade to a VPS hosting plan is when your website experiences slowdowns or falls victim to a cyberattack. Both scenarios indicate that your current shared hosting plan can’t adequately support your website’s needs. If you operate an online store, it’s advisable to opt for a VPS plan from the outset.

• How much bandwidth is included with a VPS hosting plan?

Most VPS hosting plans provide a minimum of 1 TB of bandwidth per month. Some VPS providers, such as iRexta, offer unmetered (unlimited) bandwidth, subject to fair usage terms.

• How many websites can you host on a VPS server?

You can host multiple websites on a VPS server. The number of websites you can host depends on the server’s specifications, including the type of storage used, the number of available processors, and the amount of memory.

• Is VPS hosting faster than other options?

Yes, VPS hosting is faster than shared hosting due to its greater access to resources, leading to improved overall performance.