What to consider when buying or renting dedicated servers

Over the years, the concept of a “server” has undergone significant developments. The term has taken various forms, from virtual to web servers.

But what exactly is a dedicated server?

Simply put, a dedicated server – also known as a dedicated bare metal server – is a physical machine reserved for a single user, client, company, or application. As the name suggests, it is fully dedicated to serving a specific user’s needs without sharing or splitting with others.

How much traffic can a dedicated server handle?

The network adaptor installed on a dedicated server determines its traffic-handling capacity. These adaptors typically come in variations of 1Gbit/s, 10Gbit/s, or multiples thereof. These figures define the server’s network capabilities. However, it’s crucial to note that the server’s ability to handle traffic is also influenced by the optimization of the applications running on it. Achieving the optimal balance of CPU, RAM, storage, and networking is critical, and this requires close collaboration between the customer and the dedicated hosting provider.

Security considerations for dedicated servers

While dedicated servers offer greater protection than shared servers, vulnerabilities can still arise if basic preventive measures are neglected. For instance, a dedicated server protected by firewalls could still be compromised if the IP password is carelessly left unsecured. As such, it is essential to remain cautious and prioritize security practices to ensure the integrity of your dedicated server.

Choosing between managed and unmanaged dedicated servers

When it comes to renting bare metal servers, you have the option to choose between managed and unmanaged solutions. 

Managed servers involve the hosting provider handling various configuration aspects, software selection and installation, backups, and security monitoring. On the other hand, unmanaged hosting provides greater control over hardware and software configurations. It’s important to carefully assess your needs and compare each option’s convenience and customization.

The use cases where a dedicated server is essential

Different industries have different infrastructure requirements, and for some, those needs can only be met with dedicated servers. Let’s examine some specific scenarios where a dedicated server is crucial.

• Gaming platforms: If you run a performance-sensitive gaming platform, you require infrastructure that delivers consistent low latency and minimal packet loss. Dedicated gaming servers offer high clock-speed CPUs, optimizing the performance of single-threaded applications. Plus, as resources are exclusively allocated to a single user, you never have to worry about server performance being compromised by other users.

• Streaming platforms with a global audience: Streaming high-quality video content to a worldwide audience demands high performance, low latency, and stable infrastructure. Dedicated streaming servers provide high-capacity, high-quality bandwidth specifically dedicated to your application. This ensures your platform can handle unpredictable demand while consistently delivering flawless streaming experiences.

• Security-conscious sectors: Businesses that process large amounts of sensitive data benefit significantly from the increased security offered by dedicated servers. For example, many trading and iGaming platforms rely on dedicated servers to remain compliant. With configurable firewalls, these cutting-edge servers allow organizations to control access and defend against DDoS attacks, ensuring the utmost protection.

• Scaling Web3 businesses: The Web3 industry is rapidly growing and requires highly scalable infrastructure. Dedicated node hosting is the ideal solution for Web3 businesses seeking fast scalability and the ability to add additional protocol-optimized nodes quickly.

• Adtech platforms aiming to optimize costs: Dedicated servers provide the flexibility of cloud services without the burdensome costs. For ad tech platforms looking to optimize expenses, choosing dedicated servers ensures top performance while avoiding the excessive bills associated with hyperscale cloud providers.

Key considerations when buying or renting bare metal servers

Deciding on the correct solution can be challenging in the sea of options available for dedicated or shared servers. To help guide your decision-making process, here are a few essential questions to consider:

• Is the speed and reliability of your applications crucial for your business’s success?
• Do you run processor-demanding or disk I/O-intensive workloads?
• Do you anticipate an increase in demand for applications in the near future?
• Do you need to minimize load times and reduce lag?
• Is rock-solid security essential for your operations?

If your answers lean mostly towards “yes,” a dedicated bare metal server is likely the ideal choice for your business.