A dedicated server web hosting is a type of hosting where a user or an organization leases a server for its use. This server is not shared by any other user so it is solely dedicated to the user or an organization’s sites leasing it.
A dedicated server is itself, the physical piece of hardware that your web hosting provider rents to you. It comes with its own processor, hard drives(s), Random Access Memory (RAM) and bandwidth capability. You can have hard drive(s) or disk space, bandwidth as per your requirements. Unlike shared hosting plans, dedicated servers are customizable. So you have freedom of selecting the Operating System (Linux/Windows with different versions), Control Panel, Dedicated IP’s along with the storage capacity and the traffic unit.
While in shared hosting you are restricted to the use of bandwidth, you can even get unlimited bandwidth with dedicated servers. So you are no more concerned of any down time or slow speed even if your site is getting a huge traffic.
In shared hosting where you are allocated a few MB or GB of memory you can never be able to install any programs as it consumes much space. Even a hosting provider won’t allow installing the programs. However with dedicated servers you have freedom to install any applications or programs on it. Your website and its associated software will be hosted exclusively on this dedicated server’s hard drives.
In shared hosting only one Dedicated IP is allocated to you. Whereas dedicated servers come with few number of Dedicated IP’s (number may differ with hosting providers). In addition to this, you are free to purchase the whole IP Subnet as far as you are able to give proper justification for each IP you purchase extra.
Although the dedicated servers are much cost effective as compared to shared hosting, however, it is the features and the services offered with dedicated servers which worth the cost. If you are running a business site or a site that might need secret data to be shared then you must consider the dedicated server only.
Dedicated Servers allow you to get Full Root SSH (Secure Shell) on Linux and Complete Administrative RDP (Remote Desktop Protocol) Access on Windows. The remote access to the server permits you to view the usage of the resources available and manage them accordingly. Using this Remote access to the dedicated server, you can install and run almost any program. They additionally allow other users, whom you have given access, the ability to connect to your dedicated hosting server and use those same programs at the same time you do. For example as it is done in case of Game Servers.
If you are using MSSQL Databases then you are not be able to use the versions that you need with the shared hosting as they are preinstalled. However dedicated servers let you install any version you need and also there is no restriction on the file size for each database.
As far as security is concerned, it is possible that an account on the shared hosting gets hacked and may affect all the other accounts as well. However with dedicated servers, monitored 24*7, you have Firewall to be installed to be more secure.
We can summarize all as the advantages of Dedicated Servers:-
- No need to purchase own hardware
- Leased or solely dedicated to you (not shared)
- Can get hardware and bandwidth as required
- Can be customized as required
- Complete Remote Access to the server
- Freedom to choose OS
- Selection of MSSQL Databases version (with Windows)
- Right to purchase IP Subnet (justification required)
- Security
Indeed, if you are planning for a server which shall satisfy all your needs and requirements and let you feel comfort, you must consider Dedicated Server to enjoy uninterrupted and high level services.
