What is Web Hosting? How many types of hosting are there?

If you are on this page, then you probably want to start your own website. When you start building a website the trickiest part is to select the web hosting. But what is web hosting and how many types of hosting are there? 

What is Web Hosting? 

Web hosting is a basis for each and every website that you visit over the internet. In fact, it is the service of providing the opportunity for people and organizations to share their websites using the World Wide Web. 

Web hosting is a service that allows personal and organizational websites to be accessible to the general public through the World Wide Web. Simply, think of it as renting space on a supercomputer that stays continuously connected to the Internet. What you pay for when you buy web-hosting services is actually for the renting space on a server where you can store all the files and data needed to make your website come alive. 

The Fundamentals of Web Hosting 

All websites require three essential things: domain name, web hosting, and website content. The domain name is like the address of your website (e.g., www.rvsmedia.co.uk), web hosting is where all your files will be stored, and website content includes your text, images, videos, and other media. 

Web hosting companies provide the technology and services necessary to look at your website on the internet. The companies keep special computers known as servers which have been especially configured to hold website files and service them to visitors. 

How Web Hosting Works? 

When someone types your domain name in their browser, the computer immediately gets connected to your web host’s server, and all the required files get downloaded through the browser to the visitor’s view so that he may see your website. And all this happens in a millisecond. So, for the end user, it is instantaneous. 

The responsibility of hosting providers is keeping the server up and running 24/7, maintaining server security, proper bandwidth allocation, and managing hardware and software updates, all while offering technical support when necessary. 

Types of Web Hosting Services 

Shared Hosting 

Shared hosting is the most basic and affordable form of web hosting. As the name suggests, your website shares server resources with other websites hosted on the same server. Here, more than one website will be hosted on a single server as it shares resources. That’s also like an apartment building where many tenants are sharing common facilities. 

Shared hosting plans generally come with a lot of useful tools, so you could easily end up with bonus services like the website builder tools, the WordPress hosting, and the ability to email clients. Shared hosting plans are excellent for website owners that have low volume web traffic. 

Advantages of Shared Hosting: 

• It is very cheap for small websites. 

• Shared hosting is easy to configure as well as to deal with. 

• It contains the basic technical support. 

• It is ideal for new website owners. 

• Managed by the shared hosting service provider. 

Disadvantages:  

• Limited Resources and Bandwidth 

• The website performance may get affected by other websites. 

• Less control over the configuration of your own server 

• Security risks due to a shared environment 

• Not suitable for high-traffic websites. 

Virtual Private Server (VPS) 

VPS hosting is a step above shared hosting. VPS hosting offers a virtual server environment that closely emulates a dedicated server within a shared hosting setup. It is like renting an apartment in a building – you have your area, but you share the overall structure with people. 

VPS operates in a self-contained manner, using dedicated resources within its operating environment. This makes it a good choice for a beginner who wants more flexibility and scalability of his website or application. VPS users get to be free from the complexities and high costs of a dedicated server. 

Advantages of VPS Hosting: 

• Ensures resources (RAM, CPU, storage) 

• Better performance and reliability 

• Root access for the customization of settings 

• Scalable resources 

• Better security than that of shared hosting 

Disadvantages:  

• Costly, especially when compared to shared hosting. 

• Needs technically savvy in handling it. 

• One is liable for server management unless it is managed. 

• System administration skills may be required. 

• More maintenance-intensive 

• Responsible for security 

• Rather complex for a beginner 

• Complex in the initial set up. 

Dedicated Server Hosting 

With dedicated hosting, you get an entire server entirely for your website. This option will certainly provide maximum control and resources, and also, significantly, security. It is usually like having a standalone house with everything in your control. 

It’s like a VPS where you don’t have an associated server-sharing drawback with other sites or apps. Essentially, you are renting a physical web server located at your service provider’s facility. With dedicated server hosting you also get access to professional support and expertise whenever needed. 

Advantages of Dedicated Hosting:  

• Maximum performance and reliability  

• Complete control over server configuration  

• Highest level of security  

• Unlimited resource allocation  

• Custom hardware configurations  

• Multiple IP addresses  

• Compliance capabilities 

Disadvantages:  

• Most expensive hosting option  

• Requires technical expertise  

• Full responsibility for maintenance  

• May need dedicated IT staff  

• Overkill for small websites 

• Higher maintenance costs  

• Hardware replacement costs 

• Complex setup process 

Cloud Hosting 

This hosting uses multiple servers to work together for scale and reliability, essentially having your website distributed across multiple locations for great performance. In short, this modern method offers an unparalleled level of scalability and reliability. 

Cloud hosting gives the user the ability to not depend on one physical server because a network of virtual servers is offered by cloud hosting. In return, the user will benefit from having better scalability, reliability, and superior performance. 

Advantages of Cloud Hosting:   

• Good scalability and flexibility   

• Pay-as-you-go pricing   

• Excellent uptime and reliability  

• Distributed resource usage  

• Automatic backup and recovery  

• Load balancing  

• Disaster recovery   

• Geographic distribution 

Disadvantages: 

• Uncertainty over costs 

• Potential security concerns 

• Difficult pricing structures 

• Limited control over the location of data  

• Bandwidth costs can quickly add up 

• Technical complexities 

• Resource management is difficult 

• It depends on the configuration for performance 

Co-located Hosting 

Co-located hosting lets you place your own web server at the premises of a service provider. It is very much similar to the dedicated hosting environment, except that the provision of this server is made by the customer company themselves and its physical needs for electricity, cooling, etc., are taken care of by the hosting company, very much like AWS’s setup. 

Advantages of Co-located Hosting: 

• Greater bandwidth and high uptime 

• Any software available 

• High security 

Disadvantages: 

• Difficult to configure and debug 

• Very expensive 

• Requires very high technical skills 

Managed WordPress Hosting 

WordPress-optimized hosting, designed especially for WordPress sites, to offer the best performance and security benefits. The hosting provider handles every technical aspect of running and maintaining the website, including software updates, security, backups, and performance optimization. Managed WordPress hosting goes above and beyond what generic hosting can offer, is the suite of special features for users of WordPress. 

Advantages of Managed WordPress Hosting: 

• Optimized for WordPress  

• Automatic updates and backups  

• Enhanced security features  

• Expert WordPress support  

• Built-in caching and CDN  

• Development tools  

• Staging environments  

• Performance optimization 

• Pre-installed tools and plugins 

Disadvantages: 

• Tends to be costlier than general hosting 

• Limited to only WordPress sites 

• Restrictive usage of plugins 

• Less flexibility in customization Possibility of traffic restrictions. 

• Vendor lock-in 

• Migration complexity 

Reseller Hosting 

Reseller hosting is selling hosting services to others using allocated resources from a larger hosting provider. That is, you become a mini hosting provider. 

Reseller hosting is an excellent alternative for resellers who do not wish to invest heavily in physical servers or massive technical infrastructure. With Reseller hosting you get a good opportunity to enter the web hosting industry at minimal upfront costs. 

Advantages of Reseller Hosting:  

• Set up your own hosting business   

• Available white-label solutions   

• Management of multiple clients   

• The possibility for recurring revenue   

• Customizable plans   

• Tools of professionals included   

• Automated billing   

• Control panels of clients 

Disadvantages: 

• Requires business acumen  

• Needs technical knowledge  

• Customer support liability 

• Competition in the market 

• Initial investment is required 

• Marketing is tough 

• Support overhead 

Conclusion 

The most important decision for online success is the web hosting service that you choose. With an understanding of which web hosting exists, your specific needs, and your parameters for balancing cost, performance, and features, you’ll be able to make a highly informed decision. Remember, however, as your website grows, you can upgrade at any time to a stronger hosting solution. 

Then, of course, there is the matching of one’s current needs with a hosting plan and leaving room for growth. Review your hosting environment regularly to maintain optimal performance and security of your website. Whether just starting with a simple blog or running a large ecommerce platform, there’s a hosting solution that’s right for you. 

You would have to make the decision based on budget, technical requirements, prospects for growth, and support needs. Do remember the total cost of ownership, indirect costs, and perhaps the growth requirements that could be coming down the road when you make the final call. With good planning, and a suitable host partner, you are now building on successfully meeting your present and future needs online.