What is VPS Hosting? How it work + types

Virtual Private Server (VPS) Hosting is a service that divides a physical server into multiple virtual servers.

With virtual server operating independently, provides you with dedicated resources and offers you greater control and performance.

VPS hosting is very useful if your business needs more resources and customisation options. It provides you scalability and cost-effectiveness compared to other types of hosting.

VPS hosting uses virtualisation technology to divide a private server into multiple virtual servers. Here's how it typically operates 👇

1- Server Virtualisation

The physical server is partitioned into isolated virtual environments using a hypervisor. Each server runs its own operating system and has allocated CPU power, RAM, storage, unlimited bandwidth and network resources.

2- Resource Allocation

Each virtual server is assigned a specific resource based on the chosen hosting plan. This ensures that the entire server resources are dedicated and not shared with other virtual servers on the same physical server.

3- Operating System Installation

You can install your preferred operating system on your virtual server. This gives you root access, more control and flexibility to customise your server configurations as needed.

4- Server Management

You have administrative access to your virtual server, allowing you to install software, change settings and manage applications just like you would on a dedicated hosting server.

5- Isolation and Security

The virtualisation technology ensures that each virtual server is isolated from others, providing enhanced security and preventing one server from impacting the performance or stability of others.

6- Scalability

VPS hosting offers scalability, allowing you to upgrade or downgrade your resources per your requirements. This flexibility is beneficial for handling increased traffic or resource-intensive applications.

7- Network Connectivity

The virtual servers within a VPS hosting environment typically share the same physical hardware network, ensuring reliable network connectivity and internet access.

Overall, VPS hosting provides you with a virtualised environment that mimics the functionalities of a dedicated server space while offering better affordability, scalability and resource allocation options.

VPS hosting can be compared to different types of hosting options:

1- Shared hosting

In shared hosting, multiple websites share the resources of a single server. This often leads to lower performance and limited customisation options since resources are divided among all users. Shared hosting is also the cheapest option.

On the other hand, VPS hosting provides dedicated resources for each virtual server, offering better performance and greater control over the server environment.

2- Dedicated hosting

Dedicated hosting involves having an entire physical server dedicated to a single user. Dedicated hosting offers the highest level of performance, control, and security. However, it’s the most expensive option.

VPS hosting works as a middle ground by providing a cost-effective alternative by offering dedicated resources within a virtualised environment, giving you a similar level of control and performance without the high costs associated with a dedicated server.

3- Cloud hosting

Cloud hosting relies on interconnected servers to distribute resources and handle personal website traffic. It provides scalability and reliability, as resources can be easily scaled up or down based on demand.

VPS hosting can be considered a form of cloud hosting since it utilises virtualisation technology to create virtual servers within a physical server. However, VPS hosting typically offers more dedicated resources and control than traditional cloud hosting solutions.

4- Managed hosting

Managed hosting services are designed to offload server management tasks to a hosting provider. This includes software updates, security monitoring, backups and technical support.

While managed hosting can be available for various hosting types, including VPS hosting, it typically comes at an additional cost. Users who prefer a hands-off approach to server management may opt for managed VPS hosting to leverage the expertise of the hosting provider.

In conclusion, VPS hosting offers a compelling solution for you and your business if you need more control, resources and performance than shared hosting can provide, but without the high costs associated with dedicated hosting.

VPS hosting grants you root access and customisation options, allowing you to install software, configure settings and manage applications as needed. It offers better privacy and security than shared hosting since each virtual server operates in isolation. Additionally, VPS hosting provides scalability, enabling you to easily adjust resources to accommodate changing needs.

VPS hosting balances affordability and functionality, making it an attractive option for websites, online stores and applications that require more resources and flexibility. Whether you're a small business, a growing website or an individual with specific hosting needs, VPS hosting can provide the performance, control and scalability necessary to meet your requirements.