What is a VPS?
A virtual private server (VPS) is a virtual partition within a physical server that assigns exclusive resources to each partition. These grant root access, allowing you to install an operating system and work with a high degree of freedom.
VPS hosting is one of the most popular hosting services you can choose for your website. It uses virtualization technology to provide you with dedicated (private) resources on a server with multiple users.
It is a more secure and stable solution than shared hosting, where you don't get dedicated server space. However, it is smaller in scale and cheaper than renting a full server.
VPS hosting is generally chosen by website owners who have medium-level traffic that exceeds the limits of shared hosting plans but don't yet need the resources of a dedicated server.
VPS solutions generally offer several hosting plans. For example, at Mox Networks, we have six VPS hosting plans that adapt to different needs and allow you to seamlessly scale your site when you need more resources.
How does VPS hosting work?
A server is a computer on which your web hosting provider stores the files and databases necessary for your website. Every time an online visitor wants to access your website, their browser sends a request to your server, and it transfers the necessary files over the internet. VPS hosting provides you with a virtual server that simulates a physical server; however, in reality, the machine is shared among multiple users.
Using virtualization technology, your web hosting provider installs a virtual layer on top of the server's operating system. This layer divides the server into partitions and allows each user to install their own operating system and software.
Therefore, a virtual private server (VPS) is both virtual and private because you have complete control. You are separated from other server users at the operating system level. In fact, VPS technology is similar to partitioning your computer when you want to run multiple operating systems (e.g., Windows and Linux) without having to reboot.
A VPS allows you to set up your website within a secure container with guaranteed resources (memory, disk space, CPU cores, etc.) that you don't have to share with other users. With VPS hosting, you have the same root-level access as renting a dedicated server, but at a much lower cost.
Pros and Cons of VPS
VPS hosting may be an ideal solution for you if it's the service you really need. Below, you can read the pros and cons of having a virtual private server.
Pros
1. It's faster and more reliable than a shared hosting server.
2. Since server resources, such as memory and processing power, are guaranteed, there is zero to minimal fluctuation in available resources.
3. Problems and traffic surges from other server users do not affect your site.
3. You gain superuser (root) access to your server.
4. You gain greater privacy, as your files and databases are locked from other server users.
5. It's an easy-to-scale service. As your website grows, you can easily upgrade your server resources (RAM, CPU, disk space, bandwidth, etc.).
Cons
1. It's more expensive than shared hosting.
2. More technical knowledge is required to manage your server.
3. Poorly configured servers can lead to security vulnerabilities.