Difference between revisions of "Virtual Private Server"

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= Introduction =
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== [[Virtual Private Server]] (VPS) ==
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Virtual Private Servers (VPS) have been a significant part of the evolution of the internet. They have allowed businesses and individuals to host their websites, applications, and services on a scalable and cost-effective platform.
 
  
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Virtual Private Servers have come a long way since their inception, with technologies like KVM, Qemu, Proxmox, LXC/LXD, OpenVZ and Docker pushing the boundaries of what's possible with virtualization. These technologies each have their strengths and weaknesses, and the best choice depends on the specific needs and resources of each use case.
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A '''[[Virtual Private Server]] ([[VPS]])''', also referred to as a '''[[Virtual Dedicated Server|virtual dedicated server (VDS)]]''', is a virtual machine provided as a service by hosting providers, such as [[Pulsed Media]]. [[VPS hosting]] allows users to enjoy many of the benefits of a [[Dedicated Server|dedicated server]]—full root access, customizability, and isolation—while maintaining the affordability and efficiency of shared infrastructure.
  
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= History of Virtual Private Servers =
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[[Pulsed Media]] VPS plans are powered by cutting-edge technologies like [[KVM]], [[Proxmox VE|Proxmox]], and [[LXC]], delivering high-performance, fully isolated environments for your applications and services. Whether you're hosting a website, running a game server, or building out a development stack, our VPS offerings strike the perfect balance between power and cost.
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Virtualization, the technology that makes VPS possible, has been around since the 1960s. Back then, IBM came up with the idea to make the most out of their expensive mainframe systems. They partitioned them into virtual machines, each capable of running multiple applications and processes simultaneously. This was the dawn of virtualization, and it paved the way for the modern VPS we know today.
 
  
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Fast forward to the early 2000s, the internet was growing at an unprecedented rate, and so was the demand for web hosting services. This led to the birth of Virtual Private Servers (VPS). VPS technology allowed multiple users to share the resources of a single physical server, each within its own isolated, virtual environment. This was a game-changer in the hosting industry, striking a balance between the affordability of shared hosting and the power and flexibility of dedicated hosting.
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== History of [[Virtual Private Server|Virtual Private Servers]] ==
  
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The idea behind server virtualization is similar to the concept that led to the development of time-sharing and multiprogramming in the past. Although the resources are still shared, as under the time-sharing model, virtualization provides a higher level of security, dependent on the type of virtualization used, as the individual virtual servers are mostly isolated from each other and may run their own full-fledged operating system which can be independently rebooted as a virtual instance.
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The roots of [[Virtualization|virtualization]] date back to the 1960s, when [[IBM]] pioneered techniques to partition mainframes into separate environments, allowing multiple users to access computing resources simultaneously. This foundational concept evolved into modern server virtualization.
  
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Partitioning a single server to appear as multiple servers has been increasingly common on microcomputers since the release of VMware ESX Server in 2001. The physical server typically runs a hypervisor which is tasked with creating, releasing, and managing the resources of "guest" operating systems, or virtual machines. These guest operating systems are allocated a share of resources of the physical server, typically in a manner in which the guest is not aware of any other physical resources except for those allocated to it by the hypervisor.
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By the early 2000s, as demand for web hosting surged, [[Virtualization|virtualization technology]] matured to a point where individual users could run isolated server environments on shared physical hardware. This gave rise to [[Virtual Private Server|VPS hosting]], which rapidly became a mainstay in the hosting industry.
  
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As a VPS runs its own copy of its operating system, customers have superuser-level access to that operating system instance, and can install almost any software that runs on the OS. However, due to the number of virtualization clients typically running on a single machine, a VPS generally has limited processor time, RAM, and disk space.
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== [[Virtualization]] Technology ==
  
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Many companies offer virtual private server hosting or virtual dedicated server hosting as an extension for web hosting services. There are several challenges to consider when licensing proprietary software in multi-tenant virtual environments. With unmanaged or self-managed hosting, the customer is left to administer their own server instance.
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[[VPS hosting]] relies on two major types of [[Virtualization]]:
  
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The history of VPS is a testament to the rapid advancement of internet technology. From the mainframes of the 1960s to the cloud-based systems of today, VPS technology has consistently evolved to meet the changing needs of businesses and individuals. As we look to the future, we can expect this trend to continue, with VPS technology becoming even more efficient, secure, and flexible.
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* '''[[Hardware Virtualization|Hardware-level virtualization (full virtualization)]]''': Each VPS runs its own [[Operating System|OS]] and [[Kernel (computing)|kernel]], abstracted from the host hardware via a [[Hypervisor]]. This method offers maximum flexibility and isolation.
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* '''[[Operating-system-level virtualization|Operating system-level virtualization (containers)]]''': Multiple VPS-like containers share the host's kernel but remain isolated. This approach offers improved efficiency, with minimal overhead.
  
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Now, let's take a moment to imagine a world without VPS. Picture this: you're a small business owner, and your website is your lifeline. But, you're stuck sharing server space with hundreds of other websites, slowing down your site and frustrating your customers. Or, you're shelling out big bucks for a dedicated server, eating into your profits. Then, along comes VPS, like a superhero swooping in to save the day. With VPS, you get the best of both worlds - affordability and performance. And just like that, your website is running smoothly, your customers are happy, and you're back to focusing on growing your business. Now, isn't that a story worth telling?
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At [[Pulsed Media]], we use both approaches depending on your use case. Our premium plans utilize [[KVM]] (hardware virtualization) for maximum compatibility and control. Our lightweight options leverage [[LXC]] containers for unmatched efficiency.
  
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For more detailed information, you can refer to these sources:
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== Modern Implementations ==
  
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* [https://www.ibm.com/it-infrastructure/z/capabilities/virtualization IBM's History of Virtualization]
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=== [[KVM]] ===
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* [https://www.redhat.com/en/topics/virtualization/what-is-virtualization Red Hat's Explanation of Virtualization]
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'''[[Kernel-based Virtual Machine]] ([[KVM]])''' is an open-source [[Hypervisor|hypervisor]] built into the [[Linux kernel]]. [[KVM]] allows for the creation of fully isolated [[Virtual Machine|virtual machines]], each capable of running its own [[Operating System|operating system]].
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* [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Virtual_private_server Wikipedia's Article on Virtual Private Servers]
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 +
'''Pros''':
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* Near-native performance using hardware acceleration ([[Intel VT-x]], [[AMD-V]]).
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* Full OS-level isolation and compatibility.
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* Integrated security via [[Linux]] kernel features.
 +
 
 +
'''Cons''':
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* Requires more resources than containerized solutions.
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* Complex to configure without a control panel.
 +
 
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At [[Pulsed Media]], [[KVM]] powers our high-performance VPS offerings, enabling customers to run virtually any OS, including [[Microsoft Windows|Windows]] and custom [[Linux]] kernels.
 +
 
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=== [[QEMU]] ===
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'''[[QEMU]]''' is a generic and open-source [[Machine emulator and virtualizer|machine emulator and virtualizer]]. Paired with [[KVM]], it enables efficient full virtualization, allowing users to emulate various hardware architectures.
 +
 
 +
'''Pros''':
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* Supports multiple processor architectures.
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* Works with or without hardware acceleration.
 +
 
 +
'''Cons''':
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* Slight overhead compared to containerized or native environments.
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* Complex command-line interface.
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=== [[Proxmox VE]] ===
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'''[[Proxmox VE|Proxmox Virtual Environment]]''' is a complete open-source server management platform. It supports both [[KVM]] and [[LXC]] and offers a powerful web interface.
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'''Pros''':
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* Unified management of [[Virtual Machine|VMs]] and containers.
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* Built-in backup, clustering, and firewall features.
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 +
'''Cons''':
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* Some learning curve for beginners.
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* Requires Linux proficiency for advanced features.
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 +
[[Pulsed Media]] utilizes [[Proxmox VE|Proxmox]] extensively for virtualization management. It allows us to maximize uptime, flexibility, and operational efficiency.
 +
 
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=== [[Docker]] ===
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'''[[Docker]]''' enables [[Containerization|containerization]] of applications, bundling software and its dependencies into a single portable unit.
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 +
'''Pros''':
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* Minimal resource usage.
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* High portability across platforms.
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 +
'''Cons''':
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* Not ideal for full OS-level workloads.
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* Shared kernel may raise security concerns.
 +
 
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[[Docker]] containers run efficiently within our VPS plans, giving you a perfect foundation for [[Microservices|microservices]] and development environments.
 +
 
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=== [[LXC]] ===
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'''[[Linux Containers]] ([[LXC]])''' offer [[Operating-system-level virtualization|OS-level virtualization]] for running multiple isolated [[Linux]] systems on a single host.
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 +
'''Pros''':
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* Lightweight and resource-efficient.
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* Fast startup and shutdown.
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 +
'''Cons''':
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* Only [[Linux]] guests supported.
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* Shared kernel reduces isolation compared to VMs.
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 +
[[LXC]] is used in [[Pulsed Media]]’s resource-efficient VPS options, ideal for lightweight, high-density deployments.
 +
 
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=== [[LXD]] ===
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'''[[LXD]]''' is an advanced [[System container|system container]] manager built on top of [[LXC]]. It offers a [[Virtual Machine|VM]]-like experience with all the efficiency of containers.
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 +
'''Pros''':
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* Enhanced user experience.
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* Strong scalability and security features.
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 +
'''Cons''':
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* [[Linux]]-only support.
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* More complex networking configurations.
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 +
[[LXD]] allows our infrastructure to scale massively without sacrificing performance or security.
  
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= Modern Implementations =
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=== [[OpenVZ]] ===
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== KVM ==
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'''[[OpenVZ]]''' is an [[Operating-system-level virtualization|OS-level virtualization]] platform for running multiple isolated [[Linux]] containers.
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Kernel-based Virtual Machine (KVM) is a free and open-source virtualization technology built into Linux. Specifically, KVM lets you turn Linux into a hypervisor that allows a host machine to run multiple, isolated virtual environments called guests or virtual machines (VMs).
 
  
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'''Pros:'''
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'''Pros''':
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* '''Performance:''' KVM has direct access to underlying hardware and access to all the features of the Linux kernel which can lead to high performance.
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* Minimal overhead.
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* '''Guest OS support:''' KVM supports a wide variety of guest operating systems including but not limited to Linux, Windows, and BSD.
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* Fast deployment and reboot times.
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* '''Security:''' KVM leverages features built into Linux, such as SELinux and secure virtualization (sVirt), to add a layer of security to the host and guest VMs.
 
  
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'''Cons:'''
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'''Cons''':
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* '''Complexity:''' KVM can be complex to set up and manage, especially for those not familiar with Linux.
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* Limited to [[Linux]].
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* '''Resource usage:''' KVM can be resource-intensive, especially when running multiple VMs.
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* All containers share the same kernel.
  
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== Qemu ==
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Though [[Pulsed Media]] no longer relies heavily on [[OpenVZ]], it was once a key technology in offering affordable VPS services.
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Qemu is a generic and open-source machine emulator and virtualizer. It allows for full system emulation, in which a complete and unmodified operating system is run in a simulated environment. Qemu is often used in combination with KVM to take advantage of hardware virtualization features.
 
  
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'''Pros:'''
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== Emerging Trends ==
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* '''Versatility:''' Qemu can emulate a wide range of hardware and run various operating systems.
 
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* '''Flexibility:''' Qemu can run locally for testing or development, or in production environments.
 
  
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'''Cons:'''
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=== [[Container orchestration]] ===
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* '''Performance:''' While Qemu is highly versatile, it may not offer the same level of performance as other solutions when used for system emulation without KVM.
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Technologies like '''[[Kubernetes]]''' and '''[[Nomad]]''' automate the deployment and scaling of containerized applications. These platforms distribute workloads across clusters of [[Virtual Private Server|VPS instances]] or bare metal.
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* '''Complexity:''' Qemu's wide range of options and capabilities can be complex to understand and use effectively.
 
  
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== Proxmox ==
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At [[Pulsed Media]], you can deploy [[Kubernetes]] on your VPS for maximum automation and scalability.
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Proxmox Virtual Environment is an open-source server virtualization management solution. It is based on QEMU/KVM and LXC, allowing users to manage virtual machines, containers, highly available clusters, storage, and networks.
 
  
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'''Pros:'''
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=== [[Serverless computing]] ===
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* '''Comprehensive solution:''' Proxmox provides a complete virtualization solution, integrating both VM and container management.
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'''[[Serverless computing]]''' platforms like [[AWS Lambda]] or [[OpenFaaS]] allow you to run code without managing servers. Under the hood, these often use containers or micro-VMs like '''[[Firecracker (microVM)|Firecracker]]'''.
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* '''Web-based management:''' Proxmox includes a web-based management interface, making it easier to manage and monitor virtual resources.
 
  
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'''Cons:'''
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=== [[Lightweight hypervisor|Lightweight Hypervisors]] ===
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* '''Learning curve:''' While Proxmox is powerful, it can have a steep learning curve for users new to virtualization.
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[[Firecracker (microVM)|Firecracker]] and [[Kata Containers]] provide high-security, low-overhead [[Virtualization|virtualization]]. These are used in [[Serverless computing|serverless]] and [[Edge computing|edge computing]] scenarios.
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* '''Limited support:''' As an open-source solution, Proxmox does not offer the same level of support as some commercial solutions.
 
  
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== Docker and Containerization ==
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=== [[Edge computing|Edge Virtualization]] ===
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Docker is a platform that uses containerization technology to package an application and its dependencies into a standardized unit for software development. Docker containers are lightweight and can run directly on the host machine's OS, making them more efficient than traditional VMs.
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Deploying compute resources near end users (at the "edge") is becoming common for latency-sensitive applications. [[Pulsed Media]]’s globally distributed infrastructure enables such deployments through efficient VPS provisioning.
  
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'''Pros:'''
+
== See Also ==
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* '''Efficiency:''' Docker containers share the host OS, making them lighter and faster than VMs.
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* [[Containerization]]
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* '''Portability:''' Docker containers can run on any system that supports Docker, making it easy to move applications across environments.
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* [[Serverless computing]]
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* [[Hypervisor]]
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* [[Kubernetes]]
  
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'''Cons:'''
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== References ==
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* '''Isolation:''' While Docker provides process isolation, it does not offer the same level of isolation as a VM, potentially leading to security concerns.
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* [https://www.ibm.com/it-infrastructure/z/capabilities/virtualization IBM's History of Virtualization]
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* '''Compatibility:''' Docker runs natively on Linux, and while it can run on other platforms, it may require additional configuration or resources.
+
* [https://www.redhat.com/en/topics/virtualization/what-is-virtualization Red Hat's Explanation of Virtualization]
 +
* [https://www.proxmox.com/en/ Proxmox VE Official Site]
 +
* [https://www.qemu.org/ QEMU Official Site]
 +
* [https://www.docker.com/ Docker Official Site]
 +
* [https://linuxcontainers.org/ LXC & LXD Documentation]
 +
* [https://openvz.org/Main_Page OpenVZ Project]
 +
* [https://kubernetes.io/docs/home/ Kubernetes Documentation]
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* [https://firecracker-microvm.github.io/ Firecracker Docs]
  
 
[[Category:Virtual Private Servers]]
 
[[Category:Virtual Private Servers]]
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[[Category:VPS]]
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[[Category:Pulsed Media]]
 
[[Category:KVM]]
 
[[Category:KVM]]
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[[Category:Qemu]]
 
 
[[Category:Proxmox]]
 
[[Category:Proxmox]]
 
[[Category:Docker]]
 
[[Category:Docker]]
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[[Category:LXC]]
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[[Category:LXD]]
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[[Category:OpenVZ]]
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[[Category:Virtualization Technologies]]

Latest revision as of 10:13, 22 April 2025

Virtual Private Server (VPS)

A Virtual Private Server (VPS), also referred to as a virtual dedicated server (VDS), is a virtual machine provided as a service by hosting providers, such as Pulsed Media. VPS hosting allows users to enjoy many of the benefits of a dedicated server—full root access, customizability, and isolation—while maintaining the affordability and efficiency of shared infrastructure.

Pulsed Media VPS plans are powered by cutting-edge technologies like KVM, Proxmox, and LXC, delivering high-performance, fully isolated environments for your applications and services. Whether you're hosting a website, running a game server, or building out a development stack, our VPS offerings strike the perfect balance between power and cost.

History of Virtual Private Servers

The roots of virtualization date back to the 1960s, when IBM pioneered techniques to partition mainframes into separate environments, allowing multiple users to access computing resources simultaneously. This foundational concept evolved into modern server virtualization.

By the early 2000s, as demand for web hosting surged, virtualization technology matured to a point where individual users could run isolated server environments on shared physical hardware. This gave rise to VPS hosting, which rapidly became a mainstay in the hosting industry.

Virtualization Technology

VPS hosting relies on two major types of Virtualization:

At Pulsed Media, we use both approaches depending on your use case. Our premium plans utilize KVM (hardware virtualization) for maximum compatibility and control. Our lightweight options leverage LXC containers for unmatched efficiency.

Modern Implementations

KVM

Kernel-based Virtual Machine (KVM) is an open-source hypervisor built into the Linux kernel. KVM allows for the creation of fully isolated virtual machines, each capable of running its own operating system.

Pros:

  • Near-native performance using hardware acceleration (Intel VT-x, AMD-V).
  • Full OS-level isolation and compatibility.
  • Integrated security via Linux kernel features.

Cons:

  • Requires more resources than containerized solutions.
  • Complex to configure without a control panel.

At Pulsed Media, KVM powers our high-performance VPS offerings, enabling customers to run virtually any OS, including Windows and custom Linux kernels.

QEMU

QEMU is a generic and open-source machine emulator and virtualizer. Paired with KVM, it enables efficient full virtualization, allowing users to emulate various hardware architectures.

Pros:

  • Supports multiple processor architectures.
  • Works with or without hardware acceleration.

Cons:

  • Slight overhead compared to containerized or native environments.
  • Complex command-line interface.

Proxmox VE

Proxmox Virtual Environment is a complete open-source server management platform. It supports both KVM and LXC and offers a powerful web interface.

Pros:

  • Unified management of VMs and containers.
  • Built-in backup, clustering, and firewall features.

Cons:

  • Some learning curve for beginners.
  • Requires Linux proficiency for advanced features.

Pulsed Media utilizes Proxmox extensively for virtualization management. It allows us to maximize uptime, flexibility, and operational efficiency.

Docker

Docker enables containerization of applications, bundling software and its dependencies into a single portable unit.

Pros:

  • Minimal resource usage.
  • High portability across platforms.

Cons:

  • Not ideal for full OS-level workloads.
  • Shared kernel may raise security concerns.

Docker containers run efficiently within our VPS plans, giving you a perfect foundation for microservices and development environments.

LXC

Linux Containers (LXC) offer OS-level virtualization for running multiple isolated Linux systems on a single host.

Pros:

  • Lightweight and resource-efficient.
  • Fast startup and shutdown.

Cons:

  • Only Linux guests supported.
  • Shared kernel reduces isolation compared to VMs.

LXC is used in Pulsed Media’s resource-efficient VPS options, ideal for lightweight, high-density deployments.

LXD

LXD is an advanced system container manager built on top of LXC. It offers a VM-like experience with all the efficiency of containers.

Pros:

  • Enhanced user experience.
  • Strong scalability and security features.

Cons:

  • Linux-only support.
  • More complex networking configurations.

LXD allows our infrastructure to scale massively without sacrificing performance or security.

OpenVZ

OpenVZ is an OS-level virtualization platform for running multiple isolated Linux containers.

Pros:

  • Minimal overhead.
  • Fast deployment and reboot times.

Cons:

  • Limited to Linux.
  • All containers share the same kernel.

Though Pulsed Media no longer relies heavily on OpenVZ, it was once a key technology in offering affordable VPS services.

Emerging Trends

Container orchestration

Technologies like Kubernetes and Nomad automate the deployment and scaling of containerized applications. These platforms distribute workloads across clusters of VPS instances or bare metal.

At Pulsed Media, you can deploy Kubernetes on your VPS for maximum automation and scalability.

Serverless computing

Serverless computing platforms like AWS Lambda or OpenFaaS allow you to run code without managing servers. Under the hood, these often use containers or micro-VMs like Firecracker.

Lightweight Hypervisors

Firecracker and Kata Containers provide high-security, low-overhead virtualization. These are used in serverless and edge computing scenarios.

Edge Virtualization

Deploying compute resources near end users (at the "edge") is becoming common for latency-sensitive applications. Pulsed Media’s globally distributed infrastructure enables such deployments through efficient VPS provisioning.

See Also

References

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