Virtual Private Server: Definition, Function, and Types

Definition & Function of Virtual Private Server

What is a Virtual Private Server? A Virtual Private Server or commonly abbreviated as VPS is a server that stores data and software needed to run applications or websites. Virtual Private Servers are generally used as secondary storage, launching web applications, and developing and testing new applications.

In addition, VPS also functions to provide a virtualized environment, especially for hosting websites and applications. Although VPS has the same function as a physical server, VPS has its own operating system, resources, and control panel. This type of server has several specific functions, including hosting websites and applications by providing the necessary resources. The resources required are usually memory, CPU, and storage.

Not only that, VPS can adjust the hosting environment needed according to other specific needs such as configuring server settings and installing software. Other functions can also be seen from how the VPS operating system works. Usually this type of server works independently and is isolated from other virtual servers. This way of operating can ensure that VPS performance cannot be affected. In terms of security, using VPS is more profitable because of the additional security compared to shared hosting.

In addition to the definition and function of the Virtual Private Server itself, this type of server has several types based on its virtualization. Quoted from the Journal of the University of Computer Science & Technology, there are at least four types of VPS based on their virtualization.

4 Types of Virtual Private Servers Based on Virtualization

1. OpenVz

OpenVZ or the abbreviation of Open Virtuozzo is a type of VPS based on the Linux kernel. By using this type of VPS, users can install Linux operating systems such as Fedora, Ubuntu, and Debian. Using OpenVZ provides several benefits that can help users. One of them is its affordable cost, where this type of VPS is open-source and can be used without charge. In addition, OpenVZ is able to change VPS settings and migration without restarting the container. Then, while using OpenVZ, users can install a firewall that can prevent unwanted access to the user’s VPS hosting.

2. KVM

KVM (Kernel-Based Virtual Machine) is a type of VPS that has a more complete control system compared to OpenVS. KVM has its own server on each VPS, allowing users to determine the use of hosting resources. This type of VPS has additional storage in the form of NAS (Network Attached Storage) and Multipath I/O, which allows website data to remain accessible even if the hardware experiences errors or disruptions.

3. Hyper V

The next type of VPS is Hyper V, whose basic operating system uses Windows. Although it uses a basic operating system in the form of Windows, Hyper V can still install other operating systems. Compared to other types of VPS, the use of server memory on this type of VPS needs to be considered so that server performance is not burdened.

This can happen if the user uses too much server memory. Although more attention needs to be paid to the use of Hyper V server memory, Hyper V VPS has a feature called Disaster Recovery. This feature is able to store VPS data backups on a separate server and data that can be restored at any time.

4. Xen

Unlike the three types of VPS mentioned earlier, Xen is a type of server that uses a technique called paravirtualization. Quoted from the Unnes Blog, paravirtualization is a virtualization technique by executing requests from the operating system so that the behavior in a different hardware system can be imitated by the operating system.

This certainly helps improve server performance. In addition, by using the Xen VPS type, setup and management can be done easily. This is because there is a feature called the XENCenter Management Console which is able to start, stop, and create VPS backups with one click.

The use of these four types of VPS is certainly determined and used by users according to their respective needs. To support maximum use of Virtual Private Server, users can try the Linux Server Monitoring module from Netmonk Prime. Where monitoring can be done in real time for 24/7 and there is a notification feature via the Telegram application or e-mail so that monitoring can be done anywhere and anytime.

References:

https://aws.amazon.com/what-is/vps/

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