Dedicated Server: A Complete Guide For Better Understanding

To serve the needs of every business, Go4hosting unbeatably provides excellent server hosting options, that include cloud solutions, Colocation, and Dedicated servers.

Probably, like many other organizations, you also go for cloud computing for launching your first web application, database, or mail server. After all, cloud computing services seem flexible and convenient. But other than cloud services, we have many more services also in the industry.

This intuitive blog covers everything you need to know about dedicated servers. From its different types to its working, and to the list of things you must be aware of before choosing any dedicated server hosting. This informative guide about dedicated servers will help you to decide if it is right for your business needs or not.

Read on to learn:

1. What is a Dedicated Server?
2. How does a dedicated server work?
3. What are the different types of dedicated servers?
4. Why Do You Need a Dedicated Server?
5. What are dedicated servers used for?
6. How to choose a dedicated server provider?
7. Which is better: buying or renting a dedicated server?
8. What things do you need to consider when buying a dedicated server?
9. How to set up a dedicated server?
10. Conclusion

An Insight into Dedicated Server

Undoubtedly, choosing a dedicated server among other hosting solutions is a complicated task. To make your task easy, we come out with answers to your questions related to dedicated servers.

So, let’s dive in with us.

1. What is a Dedicated Server?

As the name suggests, a dedicated server is a server completely dedicated to your company’s tasks, database, and performance. Unlike a shared server, you don’t need to share RAM, CPU, and other resources with others in a dedicated server.

A dedicated server consists of top-standard hardware resources that companies can hold to power the crucial applications of their business. With dedicated servers, a company can achieve the highest possible task speeds. The reason is you don’t need to share the computing power or connectivity of the server with others.

This server leads to increased speed, security, and reliability. Moreover, you have full access to the setting of the server. That includes hardware configuration, security implementation, and custom software options.

2. How does a dedicated server work?

To explain it in the best way, let’s take an instance.

Suppose, you want to get your website online, you will make it online by using shared hosting or VPS hosting. Though, the purpose of both the hosting is the same. The only thing that makes them distinct is their cost and the setup of the machines.

In shared hosting, thousands of user accounts are installed on the same server. While in VPS hosting set up, 10-15 VPS runs.

Above all, in the dedicated server, the web hosting provider leases an entire server computer to a single user. This machine and its resources are not available for sharing with other clients.

You can customize the server as per the requirement of your application. It could be a database, website, a private cloud, streaming, web hosting, VOIP, gaming, or some other business need.

For larger businesses that have more intensive workloads and applications, multiple dedicated servers can be pooled together. For providing higher performance, availability, and scalability. Such intensive applications or work include AI, gaming, VFX, and AdTech.

3. What are the different types of dedicated servers?

Definitely, for the best hosting solution you should go for a dedicated server. But the question is, which type of dedicated server is best for your business.  So, check out different types of dedicated servers and decide which one is perfect and matches your business requirement.

Cheap Dedicated Servers

To overcome the low performance of the shared storage and networking issues that appears in shared hosting services, cheap dedicated servers were created. Therefore, the businesses that need high reliability and better performance, cheap dedicated servers are a perfect match. Generally, many companies opt for a cheap dedicated server for prices as low as $100 per month.

Properties of Cheap Dedicated Servers

• Cores: 4x 3.30 GHz (Single Quad-Core)
• RAM: 16GB DDR3 ECC
• HDDs: 2x 240 GB SSD SW RAID
• IPMI/KVM

Standard Dedicated Servers

Standard dedicated servers are better than cheap dedicated servers in terms of quality building and performance. This type of server is suitable for businesses that need greater performance or who want to outgrow their shared hosting environment. You can configure these servers as per your requirement.

This type of server is available with additional features like network paths, cooling systems, uninterruptible power supply (UPS), and data backup systems.

Perks in the standard dedicated server are:

• RAM 64 GB DDR4 ECC
• HDDs: 2x 1TB SATA 7.2 RPM
• Cores: 10×2.20 GHz
• IPMI/KVM

Enterprise Dedicated Servers

Enterprise dedicated servers offer high reliability, performance, and availability. It offers similar hardware features that an IT department needed for its applications and databases.

If you choose this type of dedicated server then you can customize the server as per your needs. The customization can be done in terms of CPU, RAM, SSD/HDD, and RAID. Even go4hosting offers different connectivity options to their clients like DIA, IP addresses, cloud direct connects, firewalls, and more.

Perks in Enterprise Dedicated Servers

• RAM 192 GB DDR4 ECC
• HDDs: 16×4 TB SATA 7.2k RPM HW Raid
• Cores: 2x12x2.30 GHz Dual 12 core
• IPMI/KVM

High Performance Dedicated Servers

This type of server is used for big data analytics and scientific computations for high performance. This type of dedicated server is built for artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML). In addition, it is used in big data companies, universities, and government agencies for processing and analyzing data for important research projects.

Properties with High-Performance Dedicated Servers:

• CPU 4X E5-4650V2 40 @ 2.4GHz
• RAM 128GB Registered ECC DDRIII Up to 384GB
• Storage 4x SSD 250GB Up to 20 disks
• Bandwidth 1Gbps Uplink 200TB traffic included

High Bandwidth Dedicated Servers

This dedicated server is perfect for high transfer data rates among various network points. Mainly, these types of servers are used for IPTV streaming, high-traffic websites, file hosting, gaming servers, and bulk data transfers.

Unmetered Dedicated Servers

This type of server is unlimited in terms of usage of monthly bandwidth. The unmetered dedicated server gives you full access to use as much bandwidth as necessary, it is connected to the network at a set port speed. This type of server is perfect for high volumes of traffic.

Managed Dedicated Servers

As the name suggests, Managed dedicated servers are fully managed by the hosting company. This server tends to deliver the highest level of performance and security through real-time traffic monitoring.

These types of servers are appropriate for companies that don’t want to deal with any security or hardware setup, or regular maintenance.

4. Why Do You Need a Dedicated Server?

There are several reasons why you need a dedicated server so let’s have a brief look:

Improved Security and Control

Mainly, people choose a dedicated server for their security and controls. The infrastructure of a dedicated server includes firewalls and round-the-clock security monitoring. That means you are stress-free in terms of the security of your data. Many dedicated servers also offer customized security levels. So, you can customize the security levels as per your work security needs.

Dedicated resources

Unlike shared hosting or VPS, dedicated servers don’t offer resource or computing power-sharing with others. With a dedicated server, all the resources such as disk space, RAM, and bandwidth will be solely focused on your website and hosting needs.

Additionally, you also have root access to the server. It means you can add or remove software as needed and configure exclusive settings. Not only this, but you can also get complete control over your web hosting through a dedicated server.

Customization Possibility

With a dedicated server, you will get full control of your server. You are allowed to freely customize your server based on your needs and specifications.

Though most hosting service providers have pre-decided hosting plans for a dedicated server, many will offer you customization. This feature allows you to fully customize the hardware that will be installed on your dedicated server.

However, many recommend picking up a pre-made dedicated server. As they are built by IT and web hosting experts to provide maximum performance at an affordable price.

Unique IP Address

In dedicated server hosting, you will get a unique IP address.  In the case of shared hosting, the sharing of an IP address also happens with various other websites. In that case, if one of your neighbor’s websites is spam or adult then this could push down your ranking too.

Improved Performance

Substantially, a dedicated server is the only hosting service that provides better performance as compared to other hosting services.

5. What are dedicated servers used for?

There are plenty of potential use-cases for dedicated servers. A few of them are as follows:

#1. Website Hosting

Commonly, dedicated servers are used for Web hosting. The reason behind this is, Dedicated servers act great for websites. Due to its guarantee of fast loading time and reliable uptime, which leads to a better user experience.

On the contrary, shared hosting can meet only personal websites requirement. But, once you start getting a remarkable amount of traffic every month, for example – over 100,000 traffic per month, you’ll need to upgrade your website hosting from shared to dedicated server hosting.

#2. Email Hosting

Another popular use of dedicated hosting is Email hosting, which is increasing its popularity.

With dedicated email servers, you don’t need to think about communication within a company. With the help of dedicated servers, you can impose attachment limits, and also provide employees with their own company email addresses.

With a dedicated server, you also get a  higher level of security for email hosting. Security is also an important aspect when sharing confidential information.

#3. Gaming Servers

You can also use dedicated servers to run video game servers. Dedicated servers are essential for games that require smooth and quick running. Through a dedicated server, you can also control who has access to which games.

#4. SaaS Web App + Mobile App

Generally, SaaS web apps and mobile apps are hosted on dedicated servers.

When running a SaaS, providing an adequate user experience is one of the essential tasks on the list. In case, if your app starts lagging then you can’t provide the best user experience. Moreover, it extremely slows down almost to a crawl and becomes unusable.

It can easily happen if your web or mobile app is hosted on shared server hosting. After all, your app and the neighboring app will share the same processing power and bandwidth.

On the other hand, a dedicated server, can ensure that your web or mobile app will run smoothly even with large numbers of concurrent users.

#5. Data Backup & Redundancy Management

Substantially, dedicated servers are also used for backing up crucial data. However, there are several backup options are available, like, off-site, RAID, application, R1Soft backups, etc. A constructive practice is to run automatic backups as often as possible. So that the backup server should keep close to the production environment.

#6. Testing Applications

In testing applications, dedicated servers provide great performance, high reliability, and fast speed. During the development of any type of software, they provide a high level of security and data protection which is crucial for any application.

#7. Hosting Custom Internal Apps

Many companies opt for dedicated servers to run their internal or in-house applications. Based on the industry, these apps can vary. However, some typical examples of hosting custom internal apps would be running a custom mail portal, a custom-built CRM, and so on.

#8. Storing Sensitive Customer Data

Dedicated servers help in enhancing security measures of customer data. These measures are often used by companies handling crucial data of customers to store it safely and access that data whenever needed.

6. How to choose a dedicated server provider?

Selecting the right dedicated server hosting provider is as difficult as opting for the right dedicated server for your business. That’s why, it is essential to check out all the details related to the hosting service provider, before making any decision.

Before finalizing a dedicated server for your business, you have to ensure that the services you needed are provided by the provider. Some of the factors you need to consider in your hosting service providers include:

Server Stability

First and foremost, check the overall performance, accessibility, and usability of the service provider. In the end, you should go with a service that offers an uptime of at minimum 99.95%. This is required to minimize the chance of costly outages.

Customer Support

Always go for the dedicated server host that offers round-the-clock customer support. The provider offers a variety of contact options such as telephone, email, and live chat is suitable to select as a service provider. You will need someone to be available when you have a problem with your server and the response time needs to be quick. Someone like go4hosting.

Customization

Select the hosting service provider that offers a customization feature to their clients. Check out, does the hosting provider offer both Windows and Linux options? Are they provide the feature to partition the hard drive space as per your wish? What are the different types of hardware options available with the hosting service provider?

Security

Undoubtedly, dedicated servers are comparatively much safer than any of the shared hosting options, but that doesn’t mean you’re 100% safe from hackers. To ensure the safety of your site or application, look for a service provider that offers built-in security features.

Datacenter location

If you would like to serve the local market for your online business, server location plays a crucial role in loading speed and accessibility. So, it’s good to find out how many data centers the service provider has? Is the location suitable for your online business?

7. Which is better: buying or renting a dedicated server?

Selecting one among buying or renting a dedicated server is a matter of bafflement. Because each has its own advantages.

When you buy a server

Buying your own server gives you the ability to have better accessibility over the hardware and customization. It is your asset and it gives you more in your long-run business. Some organizations opt for buying a server and house it with a colocation provider or in-house. Hence, It is assumed that you have an in-house server administration to help you.

When you renting a server

On the contrary, renting or leasing a dedicated server means all the management and maintenance work is handled by the hosting provider.  In this case, you’re free to carry out repairs or pay for replacement hardware yourself.

In addition, when you lease a server on a monthly basis, you’re free to change hosting providers at any time. But you are not able to do that if you decide to buy a server in the beginning.

8. How to pick the right dedicated server?

Once you have decided that a dedicated server is the best hosting type for your business, then you need to keep in mind the following tips. These tips help you in finalizing the server.

Tip #1

First & foremost, you should define your requirements related to the performance of your application. In simple terms, you need to determine how many servers you will need and the kind of hardware to use.

Tip #2

Additionally, you should consider the following hardware specifications:

• Processor – what level of powerful server do you need for your work?
• Storage Compliance – Are you able to handle the security of sensitive data on your own?
• Memory – do you need high storage capacity or fast storage speed?
• Bandwidth – how much traffic do you anticipate?

Tip #3

Another thing that you need to keep in mind is the right platform for your application or website. Here, you need to check out which operating system will be best for your hosting requirements.

Tip #4

Lastly, don’t forget to check out the potential downtime you are willing to risk. Do you have a server expert in your in-house team or do you need technical support, technology advancements, or backup services?

9. How to set up a dedicated server?

Indeed, based on your requirement, you have decided to choose a dedicated server over others. Now, it’s time to understand how to configure a dedicated server.

Step 1: Choose and Install Linux operating system

Opt for an appropriate platform for your dedicated server hosting.  Ensure that you are familiar with the preferred OS. No matter, it is  CentOS or Fedora or Ubuntu, Windows OS, or Linux.

Step 2: Update the operating system

Make sure that the operating system is an updated one.

Step 3: Install Apache or Nginx Webserver

You can install Apache or Nginx web servers, as they have features to build advanced and efficient web structures.

Step 4: Install MySQL Database server

It is one of the popular database servers. It is used to store and retrieve data for applications, websites, and blogs.

Step 5: Install PHP

This highly popular Hypertext Preprocessor scripting language is widely used for free and open-source server-side scripting.

Step 6: Install Bind DNS server

The Berkeley Internet Name Domain or BIND or NAMED helps to resolve everything. From domain name to IP address and IP to domain name.

Step 7: Install the FTP server

It is used to transfer the file in the network. For Linux systems, the FTP server is vsftpd stand for Very Secure FTP Daemon. It delivers excellent performance by consuming less memory.

Step 8: Harden and Secure the dedicated server

To harden & protect the dedicated server, you need to install a host-based firewall to avoid unauthorized access. To enforce security, you need to strengthen the complexity of the password.

You should also need to disable the unneeded processes, services, and daemons such as cups, bluetooth, ypbind, hidd, gpm, yum-updatesd, nfs, snmpd, saslauthd, netfs, pcmcia, and sendmail.

Step 9: Install or migrate over the content of your website

Now, your dedicated server is ready to migrate your website or data.

10. Conclusion

If you are thinking that your website is struggling with an increase in traffic, it may be your website needs migration to a dedicated server. Don’t mis-conceptualized that, this only hosts your site, not improves your site’s performance. But, we can’t deny that it enhances your page loading times and helps you optimize security.

Few Takeaway points about why you may require a dedicated server:

• The website is growing and needs to be able to handle an increase in traffic.
• Website security is one of the main concerns.
• As much as possible, optimal page loading time.
• Control over every aspect of your server.

If you think we left something to discuss here or if you have any other questions about dedicated servers, then ask away in the comments section below!