What is a Dedicated Server?

A dedicated server refers to a physical server that is entirely allocated to a single client, business, or application. Unlike shared hosting, where resources are divided among multiple users, a dedicated server provides dedicated resources, including CPU, RAM, and storage, ensuring higher performance and security.

Dedicated Server Advantages

  • Performance and Reliability: With all resources exclusively yours, you face fewer fluctuations in performance.
  • Security and Control: Enhanced security since you are not sharing space with other potentially malicious sites.
  • Customization: Freedom to configure the hardware and software to meet specific needs.

Note that virtual private servers and dedicated servers are different.

Can any Dedicated Server be Split into VPS?

While most modern dedicated servers are capable of hosting multiple VPS, the feasibility depends on several factors such as the server's hardware specifications, the intended use of each VPS, and the virtualization technology available. Before proceeding, ensure your physical server has adequate CPU, RAM, and storage to support multiple virtual machines without degrading performance.

On any of our extremely cost competitive Dual Xeon Dedicated Servers, you can split your dedicated resources into a very large amount of virtual private servers.

How to Create VPS Servers on Dedicated Server

Creating VPS (Virtual Private Servers) on a dedicated server is a powerful way to utilize the extensive resources of a physical server by distributing them across multiple, isolated virtual environments. Each VPS operates as a standalone server, providing flexibility, scalability, and control comparable to what a dedicated server offers but at a reduced cost. Here’s a comprehensive step-by-step process to guide you through setting up VPS on a dedicated server:

  1. Assess Your Server’s Capability: Before initiating the setup, assess the capabilities of your dedicated server. Check the CPU, RAM, and storage to ensure they are sufficient to host multiple VPS. Consider the workload each VPS will handle to determine the appropriate allocation of resources. Make sure that each VPS has equally allocated resources.
  2. Choose Virtualization Software: The choice of virtualization technology plays a crucial role. Options include VMware ESXi, Microsoft Hyper-V, KVM (Kernel-based Virtual Machine), and Citrix XenServer. The most popular option for selling virtual private servers publicly is KVM.
  3. Installation of Virtualization Platform: Install the virtualization software on your dedicated server. This step typically involves configuring the hypervisor to run on the bare metal of the server, which may require modifying the server’s BIOS settings to enable hardware-assisted virtualization.
  4. Configure Virtual Machines: Once the hypervisor is installed, proceed to create virtual machines. Each VM will act as a separate VPS.
  5. Install Operating Systems: Install an operating system on each VM. The choice of OS may depend on your or your clients' specific needs, ranging from various Linux distributions to Windows Server editions. If you use a tool like WHMCS, OS installation can be configured through checkout.
  6. Network Configuration: Proper network setup is critical for VPS functionality. Assign a unique IP address to each VM, and configure network settings to allow proper isolation among VPSs while still providing them access to needed network resources.
  7. Management and Monitoring Tools: Implement tools for managing and monitoring the VPSs. These tools help in tracking resource usage, performance metrics, and system health. We recommend monitoring tools like HetrixTools or Grafana for monitoring.
  8. Backup Solutions: Set up a RAID storage configuration to protect the data within each VPS. If you purchase a dedicated server with us, we can configure your RAID configuration on your machine free of charge.
  9. Testing: Before going live, thoroughly test each VPS to ensure they are performing as expected. Check resource distribution, network connectivity, and the functionality of installed applications.

Tips For Choosing A Hypervisor

When choosing a hypervisor to use for your VPS offerings, there are two different types of options:

Type 1: Bare Metal Hypervisors

These hypervisors run directly on the hardware to manage guest operating systems. Type 1 hypervisors do not need an underlying operating system to function properly. Since type 1 hypervisors interact directly with the hardware, they generally provide better performance. KVM (Kernal-based Virtual Machine) is an example of a Type 1 Hypervisor.

Type 2: Hosted Hypervisors

Type 2 hypervisors run on a conventional operating system just like other software applications. This means they depend on the host OS for device support and management. Type 2 hypervisors are typically easier to set up and use, ideal for development and testing environments or smaller businesses not requiring complex configurations.

Generally, they offer less performance than Type 1 hypervisors because of the additional layer (the host OS) between the hardware and the hypervisor. Popular Type 2 Hypervisors are VMware Workstation and Oracle VM VirtualBox.

If you are looking for maximum performance and are trying to sell virtual private servers, choose a bare metal hypervisor. If you are creating virtual private servers for indivdual, small scale use, choose a type 2 hypervisor.

How to Sell VPS Servers from a Dedicated Server

Selling VPS from your dedicated server can be a lucrative business. Here’s how to start:

  1. Define Your Hosting Offers: Create different VPS hosting accounts or packages, specifying resources like CPU, RAM, and storage. Start a website to showcase these offerings.
  2. Set Up a Billing System: Use a control panel that supports billing and account management. The 2 main options for standardized billing systems for VPS hosts are WHMCS and Hostbill.
  3. Marketing: Post offers on forums like LowEndTalk and LowEndSpirit to get customers looking for great deals.
  4. Support and Maintenance: Provide excellent customer service and regular maintenance to retain clients and ensure smooth operations.