What is Dedicated Hosting?

In Web hosting a dedicated server is usually a rented service. The user rents the server, software and Internet connection from the host. A dedicated server or dedicated hosting means that one computer is used only for network needs. This computer supplies services for only one account or domain name. A dedicated server is preserved for one company or individual, and is leased and kept on the data centre of the host company. It provides certain amount of memory, hard disk space and bandwidth. Sometimes hosts permit the company that has rented a dedicated server to offer hosting services to other clients. Among the included features are domain name system, e-mail and File Transfer Protocol capabilities.

Dedicated servers consist of an operating system, a Web server, necessary software and Internet connection located on the web host’s place. The web host possesses the server, it can be run remotely from the client and you don’t have access to it. With dedicated hosting you have a machine entirely reserved for your needs. If the server collapses you need to reboot it. This is one of the greatest disadvantages of the shared hosting. When one of the hosted sites suffers a denial-of-service attack, it affects the other sites as well. Shared hosting suppliers do not usually blare out this obstacle and make efforts to minimize its consequences. If your site is often subject to DOS attacks, it is very possible that the hosting provider will require you to pay additionally for the proper administration of your site, especially in relation to its relationships with other sites and lessening negative effects on them.

A dedicated web hosting is suitable for companies expecting considerable amount of traffic, running large businesses or requiring more space and security. So, if a companies demand a server completely at their disposal and if they want to exert maximum control on it, they can either buy or rent the hardware from a hosting company who will administer and maintain it subsequently. An Internet connection should be provided to the server – usually more than 10 Mbits/s Ethernet. Dedicated servers are located in data centres supplying back up power sources and ventilation systems. You don’t have to spend much to set these up.     

Hardware, web server, Internet connection and operating systems are the typical components of unmanaged hosting plan. Apart from all these, managed plans incorporate all other features you may require. So, your major concern will be only the web site and its content.  

An essential thing to mention is that a computer may be a server and simultaneously carry out other task as well, i.e. not all servers are dedicated.

As mentioned above, you can exert absolute control over your web presence. You are free to select whatever software and operating system you want. You get customized services according to your needs. Dedicated hosting is recommended to companies having higher requirements, more complex demands in terms of applications (including database, streaming media, e-mail options). With this type of hosting it is also possible for numerous sites to be hosted on one machine. In this case powerful network connection and constant monitoring of the server are necessary.

You should bear in mind that if you decide to select the dedicated hosting alternative, you will need some knowledge in server management and information technology to provide adequate server sustenance. So, you will have to reserve more time and labour in comparison to those required for virtual and shared hosting. Apart from this, dedicated servers involve greater financial investment. However, you can choose to rent a server rather than purchasing one.
In order to select dedicated server hosting offering the proper package you need there are several important issues you should think over: operating system, hardware, space, bandwidth, data backup and technical support.