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Almost all organizations need to store data, whether it is their customers’ personal information, user credentials or analytics. They also need to maintain access to their websites and business applications, such as email or customer relationship management (CRM) systems. These needs are met by hosting these resources on servers.
In this article, we will tell you what a dedicated server is, as well as the features of its functioning.
How Does a Dedicated Server Work?
What is a dedicated server?
A dedicated server is a type of hosting where you get an entire physical server reserved just for your website, app or service. It gives you full control of the server's resources, including CPU, RAM, storage and bandwidth.
It is like having your own computer in a data center that only you can use. With it, you get “the whole house to yourself” - all the speed, power and the space is yours. Its operation has a number of key features that set it apart from VPS, cloud solutions and shared hosting.
So, how does it work:
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Complete isolation of resources
- Hardware independence: all CPUs, RAM, disks and network interfaces belong only to you.
- No "noisy neighbors": unlike VPS, where one server is shared between clients, there is no risk of overload due to other users.
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High performance
- Powerful processors (Intel Xeon, AMD EPYC) and large amounts of RAM (from 32 GB and above).
- Fast SSD / NVMe drives (or HDD for data storage).
- Guaranteed bandwidth (1 Gbps, 10 Gbps and more).
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Full control and flexible configuration
- Choice of OS (Windows Server, Linux distributions).
- Root/Admin access — you can install any software, change kernel configurations, set up firewalls.
- Hardware customization (adding GPU, RAID arrays, additional disks).
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Security
- Physical protection — the server is located in a data center with access control, UPS and backup generators.
- No risks due to neighbors (on a VPS, one client’s vulnerability can threaten others).
- Flexible security settings — you can install your own VPN, IDS/IPS, DDoS filtering.
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Network capabilities
- Dedicated IP addresses (often with the ability to select geolocation).
- Flexibility of network settings (own VPN, load balancing, VLAN).
- Low ping and stable channel (important for game servers and VoIP).
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Responsibility for administration
You should independently:
- Update OS and software.
- Configure backup.
- Monitor load and security.
Physical Server and Resources
Having explained what a dedicated server is and how it works, it is necessary to mention that the characteristics of web hosting basics can differ dramatically. This is necessary to ensure sufficient computing power for web projects of any level.
- CPU: Here, two factors are key: multi-core and clock frequency. The first allows the processor to process large data streams in one pass. The frequency affects the speed of calculations: the higher, the better. Special processor lines are used for servers. Intel's Xeon Gold and Xeon Silver series cope well with virtualization and other operations. For working with large databases, frequency comes to the fore, not multi-core. The Intel Xeon E series falls under these criteria.
- RAM: The more of it, the better for the efficiency of the entire equipment. RAM is the place from which the processor quickly takes data for calculations so its main characteristics are clock frequency, cell volume, and memory standard.
- GPU: Powerful video cards are needed if the project requires virtualization calculations. The GPU architecture is ideal for parallel computing. Video cards are justified for data encryption technologies, working with powerful software packages.
- Hard drives: Disk drives in a dedicated server play the role of memory. Here, parameters such as access time, volume and price of the disk itself are important. At the moment, there are two main configurations of drives: solid-state SSD and standard mechanical ones. SSD drives are more expensive per GB of space. It makes sense to use them as boot drives and for storing main databases. SDDs provide a significant increase in the speed of access to information, but they do not tolerate regular "write-read" cycles well.
Server Configuration and Customization
Configuration and customization of dedicated servers require certain knowledge. Only the initial setup is carried out on a rented server, and that is optional. The service package may include installation of an operating system of the customer's choice and basic software required for basic operation of the equipment (drivers, auxiliary programs for working in a web environment). Then all the setup falls on the network administrator.
Specialists will need to organize remote access to the server's information resources for third-party employees of the enterprise. The tenant issues basic access settings for administrators in a corresponding letter. This includes the server's IP address, login, and password. The remote access tool depends on the operating system:
- For the Windows Server family, this is RDP or remote desktop.
- In he case of Linux systems, access is via the secure SSH protocol.
However, you can choose a managed dedicated server. This will significantly reduce the workload of your company's specialists and reduce the time spent on server setup.
Server Management Options
Dedicated server management depends on its type (physical or virtual), operating system and installed software. However, the main management parameters usually include:
- Administration via IPMI/iDRAC/ILO: IPMI allows you to manage power, monitor temperature, and reinstall the OS. iDRAC / iLO are IPMI analogs with advanced features (graphical console, remote KVM).
- Access to the server: SSH (Linux) or RDP (Windows) can be used - the main remote access protocols. The console via the web interface is also used (for example, ISPManager, VestaCP).
- OS installation and configuration: It is performed via the hosting provider panel, manually via ISO, automatically via PXE or Ansible/Puppet.
- Network management: Involves setting up IP, routing, firewall, VLAN and bonding.
- Virtualization: For virtualization, you can use KVM/QEMU (Linux), Hyper-V (Windows), Docker/Proxmox.
- Security: Includes OS update (apt/yum update, Windows Update), SSH setup (disabling root login, changing port), installing antivirus (ClamAV, Malwarebytes), Fail2Ban setup (brute force protection).
Dedicated Server Pros and Cons
Before choosing a server, it’s important to understand both dedicated server benefits and the potential trade-offs. Here’s a quick look at the pros and cons to help you decide if it’s the right fit for your needs::
Pros:
- Confidentiality: The server is administered by the client himself, so even the provider does not have access to its contents.
- High power: Literally all the machine's resources are allocated to the needs of one client. No one else can use them.
- Stable operation: A dedicated server can withstand huge loads. This means that it will continue to work quietly even with sharp surges in traffic.
- Freedom in choosing a software environment: No restrictions. You can modify the operating system kernel and install any necessary software.
- Security: Since there are no neighbors, there is no risk of being hacked or attacked "in company" with them.
Dedicated servers have only two disadvantages, but they are quite significant:
- High cost: The price of dedicated servers is measured in thousands of rubles per month. This is the most expensive type of hosting.
- Complexity of setup and management: Working with the machine requires deep technical knowledge and system administration experience. Without them, all the benefits of the service come to naught. Sometimes a whole team of specialists has to manage the server.
Common Use Cases for Dedicated Servers
Dedicated web hosting basics is suitable for projects with a high load. For example: large websites, online games, storing large amounts of information, organizing corporate services.
For small organizations, a dedicated server will not always be the best solution. Renting a separate machine is more expensive than renting part of the capacity. Also, qualified specialists are required to work with server equipment.
It is worth turning to renting a Dedicated Server if:
- the company has a technical specialist (or several) who can manage the machine and configure it as needed;
- the project requires customized software and a high degree of protection;
- the project has a complex structure, heavy functionality, etc., i.e. it heavily loads the computing system.
Managed vs Unmanaged Dedicated Servers
When you rent a dedicated server, you usually are given two choices: managed or unmanaged. The difference is who takes care of the server, you or the provider. Either you get the server plus a support team that handles the technical stuff for you or you get the server and that’s it. You’re fully responsible for the setup, maintenance and security.
How Much Dedicated Servers Cost?
The cost of a dedicated server depends on several factors:
- Hardware performance: The more powerful the server, the higher its cost. For example, a server with an Intel Xeon processor, 32 GB of RAM and an SSD drive will cost more than a server with basic specifications.
- Storage capacity: Servers with a large number of SSD or HDD drives are more expensive. For example, storing video content may require several terabytes.
- Server location: Servers in Ukraine are often cheaper than in the US or Europe due to the difference in service and electricity costs.
- Support and maintenance: Providers offer 24/7 technical support, which also affects the price. More premium packages include monitoring and quick hardware replacement.
- Channel bandwidth: The higher the Internet speed and traffic volume, the higher the price. Large projects require high bandwidth.
When to Choose a Dedicated Server Over Other Hosting Types
Choose a dedicated server for projects that run faster when all services are hosted in a single environment (for example, when developing monolithic applications) — this will maximize the speed of interaction. A dedicated server is also a right choice if you have special performance requirements — for example, a high-frequency processor, large disks, a lot of memory, connecting additional devices, or all of these.
Conclusion
A dedicated server is an optimal solution for projects that require stable operation and security. Its cost depends on the equipment characteristics, location, traffic volume and level of support.
If you are looking for a reliable solution that offers the best price-to-performance ratio for your business, consider dedicated servers from HOSTKEY. They offer the best combination of price and quality.