From nationally recognised charities to independent medical practices, digital security is critical for any organisation with an online presence.
This is where virtual private server(VPS) comes in. Used to host websites and software solutions, a VPS offers the watertight security of a dedicated physical server, without the sky-high costs.
Like most digital communications solutions, VPS is interconnected with other technologies. For example, there’s a relationship between VPS IP. This guide is designed to unpack the connection between the two acronyms and help you understand more about the benefits of VPS.
What is a VPS?
As mentioned above, VPS stands for virtual private server. To learn more about the benefits of a VPS it’s important to understand the role of a server. The term describes physical devices used to store critical data and files that powers websites. When an internet user enters a domain into a browser the server relays information back to their device and displays a fully functional website.
Now let’s learn more about VPS and where the prefixes ‘virtual’ and ‘private’ come in. VPS uses virtualisation technology to split a single physical server into multiple virtual servers. A virtual layer is added to the operating system (OS) which divides the server into separate compartments.
Each virtual server is private and reserved exclusively for individual clients. No data, random-access memory (RAM) or central processing unit (CPU) information is shared with other users. Users are also free to install their own operating systems (OS), software and other technologies.
So, while the physical server itself is shared the experience is private. The product essentially simulates the privacy, speed and security of a dedicated server without the need for exclusive physical hardware.
What is an IP address?
An internet protocol (IP) address is used to identify individual devices connected to the internet or a local computer network. For example, the IP address of a laptop used by a charity employee may be 192.073.2.154.
Does a VPS use your IP?
Every VPS hosting service is supported by a dedicated IP address. While the physical server is shared, you’ll receive a unique IP address when using a VPS IP hosting service.
Why use a VPS IP service?
Unlike shared hosting which splits IP addresses between hundreds of different websites, a VPS offers clients a unique IP address. Why does this matter? For starters, shared hosting can create security issues. Hundreds of different websites sharing the same IP address can make it easier for hackers to bypass security and access sensitive data.
Sharing an IP address with other websites can also create uptime issues. If a website with the same IP address is blacklisted other accounts may also be affected. Similarly, if websites sharing the same IP address are inundated with traffic load times on your website may also be affected.
Think your business or charity could benefit from a VPS? Get in touch with a VS Group team member today to discuss our IT services and how a VPS IP could work for you.
