What Is A Semi-Dedicated Server?

Date First Published: 30th April 2022

Topic: Computer Networking

Subtopic: Network Services

Article Type: Computer Terms & Definitions

Difficulty Level: 5/10

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

A semi-dedicated server is a physical server that is shared between a small number of users rather than thousands. They are not to be confused with dedicated servers as they are not fully dedicated to one user. Also, they are not the same as VPSes, as those are when there is one physical server, but a variety of operating systems are installed on that server.

Semi-dedicated servers are a type of shared hosting, since they are used by multiple users, but the number of sites that can be hosted on that server is limited to a few. This means that there is less chance of high-traffic sites bringing down other websites that are hosted on the same server. The performance of semi-dedicated servers is not as good as dedicated servers, where the user rents an entire server for their own use.

Advantages and Disadvantages Of A Semi-Dedicated Server

• There are much higher usage limits than shared hosting. Due to fewer users hosting their websites on one server, much more server resources, such as CPU, RAM, and bandwidth are allocated to each user.
• It does not require a high level of technical knowledge since the hosting service is managed by the hosting provider.
• Lower risks of security issues since a semi-dedicated server is shared with only a few other sites.
• Better performance in comparison to regular shared hosting, where thousands of websites are hosted on a single server.
• Users do not need to install security patches, take care of software updates, defend it against cyberattacks, such as DDoS attacks, and install security features, such as firewalls and antiviruses by themselves. This is maintained by the hosting provider.

• Users will be unable to install any package or software that their website requires, since they do not have root/superuser access. They can only use the software packages that have been preinstalled by the hosting provider.
• It is an expensive hosting option, more expensive than a VPS but less expensive than a dedicated server. In fact, semi-dedicated servers provide users with less flexibility, freedom, and features than VPSes and cost more.
• Similar to regular shared hosting, there is little customisability. For example, users have no ability to install a custom control panel, such as cPanel to configure the settings of their site.