Difference Between Server Types

What’s the Difference?

Three major server classifications commonly emerge when businesses are undertaking a server upgrade or searching for hosting solutions. In fact, you may have already noticed frequent mentions of bare metal servers, unmetered servers, and dedicated servers. Which of these is right for you? The answer may lie in the definition.

What Is a Dedicated Server?

A dedicated server is a server dedicated to one single tenant. This means that the processors, memory, and storage contained therein are not shared among multiple users. Dedicated servers are also called traditional servers and exist as a physical, tangible, box that provides the storage and processing technology you need. This is instead of a piece of a shared hosting environment.

Dedicated servers offer distinct advantages over shared platforms, including:

High traffic volume support
Reduced lag for frag servers, media, and financial transactions
Increased security
Customizability and control of operating systems, applications, and more

What Is a Bare Metal Server?

The terms, bare metal servers and dedicated servers are often used interchangeably. While it is true that bare metal servers and dedicated servers are both single-tenant, physical box servers, the terms are not interchangeable. Instead, many providers use the term bare metal server to refer specifically to the newest generation of high-powered, high-performance machines offered by hosting providers.

Bare metal servers hold multiple advantages over traditional dedicated servers, such as:

Best in the business storage technology and connectivity.
Flexibility; though traditional servers are often leased or purchased for long periods of time, bare metal servers can usually be found in a flexible billing model and used as needed.
Integration with other hosting platforms and even traditional dedicated servers is fairly simple, allowing you to build the configuration you need.

What Is an Unmetered Server?

Whether you eventually choose to use a host, cloud-based, or virtual private server, you’ll need to determine the specifications for how much traffic is included in the service package you buy. Hosting companies typically charge either for the amount of bandwidth you use or provide all bandwidth usage for a flat fee. When you choose an unmetered server, you’ll get a specific amount of bandwidth that is allocated for your business’ use. Please note that unmetered does not mean unlimited; you could still see additional costs for exceeding your bandwidth allocation.

While virtual private servers (VPS) and cloud servers can be unmetered, choosing an unmetered dedicated server offers advantages over your other options, including:

Dedicated Connection – VPS and cloud servers can’t match the reliability of a dedicated server.
Security – Improved security over shared platforms.
Flexibility – No matter which resources and applications you need, you’ll know your server can handle them, and you can often alter your bandwidth plan as needed.
Cost Savings – Over time, as you avoid overage charges and the expense of purchasing and updating your own dedicated server, you’ll save money.

Which Option Is Right for You?

If you’re looking for a hosted solution, you likely won’t need to choose between the options listed above – an unmetered server provides the best features of all these subtypes. LayerHost can help you tailor a host solution to fit your budget and bandwidth needs. For more information about our services or to receive a custom quote for unmetered service, contact us at 1-833-247-HOST.

Resources:

https://www.inap.com/blog/unmetered-hosting-traffic-bandwidth-guide/

https://www.techradar.com/news/bare-metal-vs-dedicated-servers-which-is-the-better-hosting-option