The Advantages of Having a Dedicated Server for Large-scale Projects
A dedicated server is a high-capacity computer exclusively used by a single client. The client controls the operating system and different applications. The server has high-performance components that can handle almost any traffic level.
Users of a dedicated server receive a physical location in the data center, which provides optimal power supply, security, cooling, and network connectivity. After installing the server hardware, the client chooses an operating system. Dedicated servers support Linux, Windows Server, FreeBSD, etc.
Dedicated hosting is the third fastest-growing type of hosting, with an annual growth rate of 5.6%. This rate is forecast to reach as much as 18.9% in the next few years. In 2022, the dedicated server market share was $14.26 billion and was projected to reach $48 billion by 2029.
Core Elements of a Dedicated Server
A dedicated server is made up of several important parts that help it work efficiently.
CPU (Central Processing Unit): A dedicated server has a powerful CPU. This CPU has multiple cores, which help it handle more tasks at the same time, making it fast and reliable.
RAM (Random Access Memory): The RAM in a dedicated server is much larger than what you might find in a regular computer. It is used to store and quickly access important data, such as from databases or virtual machines. Smaller dedicated servers may have at least 16GB of RAM, while many servers have 64GB or more, sometimes reaching up to 1024GB.
Storage: Dedicated servers use fast storage options like SSD (Solid State Drive) or NVMe drives. These are quicker at reading and writing data compared to older types of storage. Most servers start with 256GB of storage, but powerful servers can have between 1TB to 8TB.
Bandwidth: Bandwidth is the amount of data that can be transferred. Dedicated servers have higher bandwidth to handle more data. For basic servers, bandwidth might range from 10 TB to 20TB per month, while top servers can offer very high speeds from 1 Gbps to 10 Gbps.
Operating System (OS): With a dedicated server, users have the freedom to choose the operating system they want. This allows for full control over how the server is set up and what software can be installed. Common operating systems for dedicated servers include Linux versions like Ubuntu or CentOS, or Windows Server editions.
Key Features of Dedicated Servers
When you have a server all to yourself, you do not share resources such as CPU, memory, and storage with other users. Dedicated servers are equipped with SSD or SATA storage, network interfaces, and other necessary components. It’s possible to manage projects of all sizes and scopes.
Normally, users pay monthly, with a large number of subscription plans available. When the limit is exceeded, some tariff plans have paid traffic.
The reason dedicated servers have become so popular is that they offer full control over the server. You can adjust settings, install software, and tailor it to your business needs. This is especially useful for businesses with specific hosting requirements. It ensures better performance, security, and customization compared to shared hosting. And thus, you can tailor a dedicated server according to your needs and install any programs, letting you build a customized environment for your large-scale project.
Moreover, you can easily increase disk space, memory, or bandwidth without facing downtime. You don’t need to turn the power off to add disks or connect equipment to the system. This is known as “hot swapping,” and it’s an important aspect when you can’t continue working without dedicated resources.
Understanding How Dedicated Servers Work
A dedicated server gives the client organization complete access to all of its resources, such as CPU, memory, storage, and bandwidth. These servers are usually kept in data centers, which are special facilities designed to keep servers running at their best. These data centers have several features that help ensure the servers work well.
Network Infrastructure: This includes the technology that helps data move quickly and safely. Fast internet connections and firewalls are key parts of this.
Cooling Systems: Servers can get very hot, so data centers use advanced cooling systems like air conditioning or liquid cooling to keep the servers from overheating.
Power Redundancy: To make sure the servers always have power, data centers use backup systems like Uninterrupted Power Supply (UPS) units and backup generators. This helps avoid server downtime.
With a dedicated server, users can choose the operating system (OS) they want to use. They can also install any programs or scripts they need. Having full control, also known as root or administrative access, lets users set up the server exactly how they need it. Since a dedicated server is used only by one organization, it has a lower risk of security problems compared to shared servers.
Managing a dedicated server includes tasks like regular maintenance, checking performance, setting up software, installing and configuring the OS, and monitoring its use. These tasks can be handled either by the hosting company or the server’s owner.
Types of Projects That Would Benefit From Dedicated Servers
Projects with elevated security requirements and projects that require high speed and customization will benefit from dedicated servers. These include gaming, e-commerce, financial services, and healthcare. Gaming, in particular, requires high-capacity servers because many online players need massive computing power.
Enhanced Security for Sensitive Data
Dedicated servers are also suitable for projects that handle private data because of their enhanced security features and options to leverage special security protocols. In 2024, it’s estimated that more than a quarter (26%) of data breaches involve web application attacks, making them the second most common attack type. A recent analysis of seven million websites revealed that websites face 94 attacks daily on average, and bots visit them approximately 2,608 times a week. An estimated 12.8 million websites globally are infected with malware.
Benefits for Streaming Projects
If your project involves streaming, having a server to yourself has incredible advantages. People spend 15 hours per week accessing Netflix, Spotify, SoundCloud, and other popular streaming sites on various devices. The video streaming market’s value is expected to surpass $125 million by 2025.
Reliable Performance with High Bandwidth
With a baseline bandwidth of at least 500 Mbps, dedicated servers are the ideal launch pad for steady performance across geographical regions. This bandwidth is perfect for managing traffic and maintaining stellar performance. This includes one-click bandwidth boosts through the control panel and a burst feature to handle traffic surges.
Handling E-commerce Platforms
A dedicated server is essential for stores with high traffic. It offers fast load times, secure transactions, and protection for customer data. It helps maintain performance during heavy traffic and large orders while providing a seamless shopping experience.
Running an e-commerce platform on a dedicated server offers better security and performance. This is especially important for sites handling many transactions and sensitive customer data. Platforms like Magento or Shopify perform best on dedicated servers. They ensure smooth operation even during peak times like Black Friday.
Digital Content Creation
Dedicated servers are essential for content creators working with high-resolution videos and images. They provide the necessary processing power and ample storage for fast rendering and exporting. With this setup, creators can efficiently manage large media files. It ensures seamless production and distribution. Whether producing videos for streaming or designing graphics, dedicated servers streamline workflows and reduce lag. This improves overall performance, enabling quicker turnaround times. It also enhances content quality, supporting the fast-paced demands of digital content creation.
Unmetered Traffic for Easy Cost Tracking
What’s more, outgoing and incoming traffic is typically unmetered, making it easy to keep track of your costs. Users can access the internet without worrying that they’ll exceed the limit.
Final Thoughts
Dedicated servers offer sufficient memory, processing power, and bandwidth to handle large visitor numbers and guarantee a fast website response. They are excellent solutions for a large e-commerce website or another large-scale project. You can use them to run complex applications like game servers, databases, and highly complex content management systems. They are an effective solution for centralized data processing and storage, databases, and backup, file, and archive servers.
