A reliable web server and domain name are the key aspects of building a successful website. For those who don’t know, a web server is a storage space for your website data that provides easy access to your audience.
Whenever a request is made through a browser, the web server extracts the data and makes it available to the browser.
When you buy a web hosting service, they actually get infrastructure and storage to host and manage their website effectively. In this blog, we will discuss how to determine the ideal web server hosting for your website.
How to Determine an Ideal Web Server for Your Website?
1. Understand the Type of Website You are Planning to Host
First, before you select the server host, you need to understand the type of website you are going to build. This can be determined by asking questions, whether yourself or your server provider.
Both simple and complex websites have different needs. Get an idea of what your website will do, like whether you would need to manage your user account, process payment, store heavy data, etc., and choose accordingly.
2. Get an Idea about Incoming Traffic Volume
Now that you have a better idea of the type of website you want, explore website server options according to the volume of traffic you expect.
Small websites or personal blogs usually have little traffic, whereas a web app or online store can expect moderate to heavy traffic.
3. Database
A database is needed when a website frequently retrieves and changes data, such as user accounts or product listings.
For instance, an eCommerce website needs to handle registration, login, social platforms, etc.
So, if your website falls into this type, then you need a web server that serves that database functionality.
4. Scalability
The next step is to understand your website’s scalability and growth. Have a vision of what features and integrations you want to accommodate. This will determine how scalable your website should be.
5. Resources
1. Hard Drive
Let us understand your storage space requirement with the help of an example. Imagine you need space for OS, database, email tools and website files. You have website
Website: 2000 pages
Each page: 50KB an average
Then the total storage you will need will be 2000*50KB=100MB
Other requirements: You have a website with 6000 users, and each user needs 1MB for their data.
For each user, the storage requirements would be 6000+1MB=6000mb(6GB), along with 100 MB for their programming files. Total =6000MB+100MB=6100MB, i.e. 6.1GB
Note: Ensure you keep 15% of space free for smooth operation and growth, especially if you have a web server worth 1000GB. Then, the usable space will be 85%1000GB=850GB, while free space will be 5%*1000GB=150GB.
2. RAM
RAM is a temporary storage device for your website data. It supports your OS, database queries, app running, control panels, and security tools. When you choose RAM, ensure it is always 10% more than your estimated need.
3. Bandwidth
Bandwidth is the total amount of data transferred between your web server and the user in a given time. It is influenced by your page size, visitors and page per visit.
For instance, if the average page size is 25KB, monthly visitors are 10,000 and page per visit is 10, then the total bandwidth required will be 10,000 visitors* 15 KB* 10 pages = 2500 MB, i.e., 2.5GB.
Conclusion
When you choose a server host for your website, several aspects must be considered, like the type of website you want to host, traffic volume, database, etc. But the most important factor is resources. In this article, we discuss resources in detail to choose the right fit. So consider all the aspects and choose a web server that fits your needs.