Difference Between VPS and Dedicated Server

The main difference between VPS and dedicated server is that the VPS (or virtual private server) is a private virtual environment inside a server that is specific to a client while a dedicated server is a server that only belongs to a single client.

Internet hosting refers to the services running on internet servers. They help the individuals and business users to provide content to clients. A common type of hosting is web hosting. This service allows making websites accessible to their users via the World Wide Web (WWW). Both VPS and Dedicated server allow web hosting. VPS stands for Virtual Private Server and it is a virtual machine that provides internet hosting services. It is private environment specific to a user inside a server. In a dedicated server, the entire server belongs to a single user. The hardware and software resources are not shared among others. In brief, VPS and dedicated server perform the same functionality. VPS is a virtual machine or an environment while a dedicated server refers to a complete server.

Key Areas Covered

1. What is VPS
     – Definition, Usage
2. What is Dedicated Server
     – Definition, Usage
3. Difference Between VPS and Dedicated Server
    – Comparison of Key Differences

Key Terms

Computers, Dedicated Server, VPS, Web Hosting

What is VPS

VPS stands for virtual private server. It is a virtual machine that has its own copy of operating system. In other words, a single server is partitioned into multiple private environments and each client gets a specific private environment. Even though other clients’ resources are residing in the same server it does not affect the functionalities of each other. There is no sharing of resources and bandwidth. It is easier to create and configure a VPS. It allows adding users and installing new software. Moreover, it provides high degree of control and customization. Overall, a VPS is cost effective and improves scalability. 

What is Dedicated Server

A dedicated server is a server that clients can rent without having to share the entire server with any other.  In other words, one single client owns the entire server. It contains the operating system, hardware and other required software. In shared hosting, the server is shared among multiple users. But in dedicated server, the client has the control of the entire server.

The functionality of the VPS is similar to the dedicated server. Unlike having the complete server, each client has its own private environment inside the server.

Figure 1: Dedicated Server

A dedicated server provides number of advantages for the clients. It provides a high data transferring rate. There is operating system support. Unix and variations of Linux such as Debian, CenetOs, Fedora are available without any cost for the users. There are also commercial operating systems such as Microsoft Windows Server, and RedHat Enterprise which the users can obtain by paying a monthly fee. Usually, the OS support depends on the dedicated server plan.

Dedicated servers provide security and safety to the stored data and resources. They also provide a fixed monthly price to include specific software packages. It uses high performance CPUs to improve efficiency and provide email stability and control. On other hand, these servers are more expensive. They are mainly used to host websites that have a considerable amount of traffic.

A simple example to elaborate the difference between VPS and dedicated server is as follows. Assume a building with multiple rooms. The building is similar to a dedicated server whereas a room in the building is similar to a VPS. It is an independent single unit.

Difference Between VPS and Dedicated Server

Definition

A Virtual Private Server is a virtual machine sold as a service by an Internet hosting service. A Dedicated Server is a type of internet hosting in which the client leases an entire sever without sharing it with others.

Efficiency

The efficiency of the VPS depends on the workload. Overall, a dedicated server has high performance CPUs to improve efficiency. Therefore, it is more efficient than VPS.

Scalability

VPS provides more scalability. It is easier to upgrade and there is no need for data migration.

Cost

The price for the VPS is minimum than a dedicated server. On the other hand, a dedicated server is more expensive.

Conclusion

The difference between VPS and Dedicated Server is that the VPS is a private virtual environment inside a server that is specific to a client while a dedicated server is a server that only belongs to a single client. VPS is more scalable and cost effective than a dedicated server but a dedicated server is more efficient than a VPS.

Reference:

1.“Virtual Private Server.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 4 Aug. 2018, Available here.
2.“Dedicated Hosting Service.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 4 Aug. 2018, Available here.
3. What Is VPS Hosting? | GoDaddy, GoDaddy, 25 Sept. 2017, Available here.

Image Courtesy:

1. “Wikimedia Foundation Servers-8055 14” By Victorgrigas – Own work (CC BY-SA 3.0) via Commons Wikimedia