What Is A Dedicated Server?

Date First Published: 30th April 2022

Topic: Computer Networking

Subtopic: Network Services

Article Type: Computer Terms & Definitions

Difficulty Level: 4/10

Learn more about what a dedicated server is in this article.

A dedicated server is a service provided by a hosting provider that allows a user to rent an entire physical server for their own use. They are a step above a VPS, since the user is renting the entire storage space and resources of the server, rather than renting a private section of a physical server as a virtual machine. The user has full root/superuser access to the server and no other users share the server storage and resources, meaning that it is impossible for the hosted website to go down due to another website using excessive server resources, such as CPU, RAM, and bandwidth. Hosting that provides a dedicated server to each user is known as dedicated hosting. Dedicated servers are recommended for very large and popular websites that use up a lot of bandwidth and need a lot of storage, high speed, and enhanced security.

Advantages and Disadvantages Of A Dedicated Server

• No congestion from third party sites. Since the server is not shared with anyone else, it is impossible for the hosted website to go down due to another website using excessive server resources, such as CPU, RAM, and bandwidth.
• It offers complete freedom and flexibility over the limitations provided by shared hosting. Any operating system, control panel, or software package can be installed on the dedicated server.
• Highest performance in comparison to other hosting plans.
• Highest level of uptime in comparison to other hosting plans.
• Increased levels of security - Due to complete control over an entire server, the security of a dedicated server can be enhanced by a user, such as by installing custom firewalls and antivirus software.

• It is the most expensive type of hosting, even more expensive than VPS hosting. This is because the user is renting an entire server for their own use. Dedicated servers can cost hundreds of pounds a month. In most cases, dedicated servers are used as a last resort when shared hosting and VPS hosting fail to fulfil the needs of the user.
• In order to fully use a dedicated server, users are required to have good knowledge of server administration, which is not suitable for inexperienced users.
• There is often limited maintenance from the web host when using dedicated servers. Maintenance from the web host may require an additional fee.
• Depending on the hardware components that need to be replaced, there is a long wait time for the dedicated server to be upgraded, usually a few hours or even a few days.

Types Of Dedicated Servers

• Unmanaged dedicated server - The owner of the site is completely responsible for monitoring, managing, and maintaining the dedicated server. Very little support is provided by the hosting provider. This is the cheapest option since the client is not paying for monitoring by the hosting provider.
• Managed dedicated server - The hosting provider is responsible for performing updates, setting up backups, monitoring security threats, installing security patches, protecting it from cyberattacks, such as DDoS attacks by installing custom firewalls and antivirus software, managing databases, handling DNS configuration, and configuring the packages, software, and control panel that the dedicated server uses. Limited help may be received in using applications on the server.
• Fully managed dedicated server - The most expensive option. In fully managed dedicated servers, the hosting provider is responsible for performing updates, setting up backups, monitoring security threats, installing security patches, protecting it from cyberattacks, such as DDoS attacks by installing custom firewalls and antivirus software, managing databases, handling DNS configuration, and configuring the packages, software, and control panel that the dedicated server uses. The hosting provider will definitely help in using server applications and may offer support for scripting and coding.

Limitations

Even though dedicated hosting allows a user to rent an entire server for their own use without congestion from third party sites, there are still some limitations when using a server. Examples of these are content restrictions and server resources.

Even though the amount of server resources, such as bandwidth, CPU, and RAM are extremely high, due to a whole server being rented to a user, hosting providers may still put a limit on the amount of the resources that they can use. Exceeding these limits may result in additional charges by the hosting provider.

In addition, most dedicated hosting providers have a strict, zero-tolerance policy towards phishing, malware, hate, and copyright infringement. pornographic content may also be prohibited by most dedicated hosting providers, due to excessive consumption of server resources and legal issues.

Note:

Always make sure to read the dedicated hosting provider's terms of service, since violations of the terms of service can result in penalisation.