WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN VPS AND VDS

Despite the similarity in names, the difference between them is quite serious. And most often we are talking about just such terms as VPS and VDS. Some believe that this is one and the same, others see a huge difference between the concepts.

Therefore, you need to determine what it is, how it differs, and which option to ultimately give preference to.

Understanding VPS and VDS

The term, or rather the abbreviation VPS stands for Virtual Private Server. In the case of VDS, this is Virtual Dedicated Server.

This is the name of hosting services that allow the user to get their own virtual dedicated server with a number of advantages and capabilities. In fact, this is an emulation of the work of a real, that is, a real physical server on which there is root access . Users can use their own operating systems , all the necessary software.

IMPORTANT. Within the framework of one physical server, several virtual, but independent servers usually work at once.

And here the question becomes, what is the difference between VPS and VDS servers.

What is the difference

On the net you can find different opinions regarding these two concepts. Some are convinced that the difference is huge. Moreover, there are people and entire organizations that emphasize the superiority of one type of server over another. At the same time, they build their advertising campaign on the fact that they offer 2 server options, that is, VPS and VDS. One budget, and the second more expensive, but with advanced features.

If the user is offered to host his website on VPS at one price, and on VDS at a completely different price, offering additional benefits, then you should immediately leave such service providers.

There is a widespread belief that the considered virtual servers differ in virtualization. Allegedly, VPS support virtualization at the OS level, that is, the operating system, and VDS – on the hardware component.

ATTENTION. In fact, both concepts exist in parallel and mean the same thing. It is a dedicated virtual server that runs on top of a physical server.

There is an unspoken rule among specialists to use the concept of VDS, since it is it that better reflects the essence of the service. But still there is no fundamental difference here. Both concepts can be applied to one type of service.

Since there are no differences between VPS and VDS, it is worth delving into the essence of the service, as well as comparing it with other proposed site placement options.

How it works

If we take the principle of operation and functionality as a basis, then there are no significant differences in a virtual dedicated server in comparison with a physical one.

Here it is worth highlighting the following similarities:

  • there are no restrictions on the number of sites that are hosted;
  • no restrictions on databases, domain zones;
  • removed restrictions on the number of e-mail, FTP and SSH users;
  • the administrator has the ability to work with files;
  • functionality is available for installing applications, etc.

That is, a virtual server provides all the same capabilities as in the case of using a real, physical server. Each VDS has its own IP address , which allows you not to share it with any other web resources. At the same time, site owners are encouraged to order additional addresses for a surcharge.

A weighty argument in favor of VPS / VDS is that it will work regardless of other resources, sites, despite their location on the same machine. In other words, when one server fails, the neighboring ones will not be affected in any way.

VDS / VPS vs virtual hosting

Previously, the vast majority of sites that have just created, or their work was designed for a small starting audience, were hosted on ordinary shared hosting.

Having made a comparison between VPS / VDS and Shared hosting, it will be possible to understand how one differs from the other, and what is better in the end. And if VPS does not differ from VDS, then there is a difference between them and virtual hosting. Moreover, it is significant.

By choosing VPS instead of hosting, you will get:

  1. Total full control. As the owner of a dedicated virtual server, you can count on Root and Administrator rights . This allows you to fine-tune a specific project, change the operating system, and install additional necessary software.
  2. The minimum number of restrictions. Only the resource of the physical server itself limits the number of sites created, the amount of data and other information.
  3. Complete independence. Each virtual server works independently of its neighbors, being on the same physical platform. Therefore, the resources of one will not be transferred to another. Complete isolation, separate IP addresses. If you take a simple hosting, then there will be several resources at once on one IP address. One falls, and all the others will follow.

But one cannot say that there are solid advantages here.

In some aspects, hosting services even win. This applies to such items:

  1. To rent a virtual dedicated service, you have to invest a lot more money than hosting.
  2. For the VPS to work, it will have to be administered, as is the case with the physical platform for the site. Because of this, one cannot do without certain skills and knowledge.

At the same time, many video lessons are now available. And everyone who offers really high-quality services in the field of VPS / VDS provides customers with technical support, gives the necessary tips and recommendations.

VPS / VDS against physical servers

We should also look at the difference between virtual (VPS / VDS) and physical dedicated servers.

In the case of a physical server, the user gets at his disposal a kind of powerful computer. All resources work exclusively for him, without sharing them with anyone else.

When comparing these two options, the following factors speak in favor of VPS:

  1. But here the advantage is already on the VPS side, since a full-fledged physical server costs just a lot of money. Not everyone can afford to rent. But the transition to VDS significantly reduces costs. And this is even provided that the VPS may well outperform many physical platforms in performance.
  2. Ease of scalability. The physical server is limited in its capabilities due to the installed hardware. VPS characteristics are much easier to change. To do this, it is enough to switch to another tariff. And then the client will be allocated the required amount of RAM, processor cores, space on hard drives, etc.

Prices and specifications vary depending on the specific tariff. All companies promoting VPS / VDS services have their own tariff schedule.

At the same time, virtual platforms are still inferior to physical ones. And their main drawback lies in the fact that all sites located on a physical server, within which virtual platforms are created, will use common communication channels and a disk system.

Functioning occurs at the expense of resource sharing. And unscrupulous users can go beyond the allocated characteristics and thereby interfere with other users.

But good suppliers have learned to deal with such a problem. They are identified and appropriate measures are applied. Either they are warned, forced to switch to a different tariff and balance the load, or their dedicated server is completely turned off.

This is another reason to look for a reliable and trusted service provider.

Applied imaging technologies

Since we are talking about virtual dedicated servers, then here it is necessary to clarify the question of what kind of virtualization technology is used.

There are 2 main ones:

  • Carried out at the OS level;
  • This is hardware visualization.

There are indeed differences between them:

  • This technology is based on the Linux kernel and allows you to create multiple copies of the OS within one physical platform, which will be independent and isolated from each other. Distinctive features of virtualization technology are high performance indicators, ease of use and ease of management. The user, if required, at any time has the ability to change the power characteristics. But in terms of choosing an OS, there are limitations. It’s about choosing between Ubuntu, CentOS and Debian. This is due to the fact that one common Linux kernel operates on all virtual servers within one machine.
  • It stands for Kernel Virtual Machine. This is already a hardware version of virtualization. This technology contributes to the creation of a virtual full-fledged analogue of a physical server on the host machine. Each such server has its own dedicated RAM area, the amount of memory on the hard disk, a separate network card, etc. Thus, the reliability of the work increases significantly. Due to this technology, isolated from neighboring servers are formed, having their own operating system kernels. Therefore, they can be customized and changed to suit your needs and requirements. The restrictions are minimal. But changing resources on the server will not work. As the site grows, you will have to order another server with advanced characteristics and transfer your resource there.

Since KVM technology has objective advantages over OpenVZ, it is not surprising that tariffs will be slightly higher in the first case.

Where to choose

It is important to initially objectively assess your capabilities, resources, site features and prospects.

Yes, if this is a small web resource that is just beginning its development, there is no point in choosing a virtual dedicated service right away. First you need to get some kind of growth prospects.

If the resource develops rapidly, the traffic increases, then the limitations of conventional hosting will minimize all subsequent steps on the way to becoming and increasing indicators. Switching to VPS / VDS will be a smart decision.

Increasingly, small companies, organizations and firms that require high levels of stability, security and privacy choose VPS and VDS.

If financial opportunities allow, and the web project has prospects for rapid development, the site owner needs to post a large amount of content, but at the same time receive stable and secure work, then a dedicated virtual server will be the objectively correct choice. The transition to a full-fledged physical basis is very expensive and not always advisable. As part of an individual project, it is better to start with an inexpensive hosting. But then the transition to VPS / VDS is a prerequisite in order to grow and develop.

 

by Abdullah Sam
I’m a teacher, researcher and writer. I write about study subjects to improve the learning of college and university students. I write top Quality study notes Mostly, Tech, Games, Education, And Solutions/Tips and Tricks. I am a person who helps students to acquire knowledge, competence or virtue.

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