What is involved in the hosting of my website?
Dedicated website hosting is a type of web hosting service in which the client leases an entire server not shared with anyone else. This gives the client full control over the server, including choice of operating system, hardware, etc. Dedicated hosting is often used by websites that require a high level of security, performance, and control, and typically attract high traffic volumes. In contrast to shared hosting, where a single server may host hundreds of websites, dedicated hosting provides more resources, including processing power, memory, and storage, to a single client, leading to better performance and stability for the website. However, dedicated hosting is also more expensive than shared hosting, and requires a higher level of technical expertise to manage.
How does website hosting work?
Website hosting is a service that allows organisations and individuals to post a website or web page onto the Internet. When a website is hosted, it is stored on a server that is connected to the Internet, allowing it to be accessed by people anywhere in the world via a web browser.
- Here's how website hosting works in a nutshell:
- The website owner creates or designs the website and files are stored on a computer (server) connected to the internet.
- The owner then signs up for a hosting service with a web hosting provider and rents space on the server.
- The hosting provider manages the technical aspects of hosting the website, such as security, backup, and maintenance.
- When someone wants to view the website, they enter the website's domain name (e.g., www.example.com) into their web browser.
- The browser then sends a request to the server where the website is hosted.
- The server returns the files that make up the website to the browser, which displays the website on the user's device.
The hosting service provides the necessary resources, such as bandwidth, disk space, and processing power, to ensure the website is accessible to visitors 24/7.
The choice of hosting service and hosting plan will depend on factors such as the size and type of website, the amount of traffic it generates, and the level of security and performance required.
How does a domain name work with hosting?
A domain name is the address that users type into their web browser to access a website. For example, "www.example.com". A domain name is essentially an alias for the IP address of the server where the website is hosted.
When a website owner sets up hosting for their website, they also need to register a domain name for their website, which acts as the website's address on the Internet. The domain name is then pointed to the IP address of the hosting server, so that when a user types the domain name into their browser, the browser knows which server to request the website files from.
Here's a simplified illustration of how a domain name and hosting work together:
- The website owner creates or designs the website files and stores them on a hosting server.
- The owner registers a unique domain name for their website, such as "www.example.com".
- The domain name is then associated or "pointed" to the IP address of the hosting server where the website files are stored.
- When a user types the domain name into their browser, the browser sends a request to the server associated with the domain name.
- The server responds by sending the website files to the browser, which displays the website to the user.
In this way, the domain name provides a memorable and easily recognisable address for the website, while the hosting service provides the necessary resources and infrastructure to store and serve the website files to users.
What is an IP address?
An IP (Internet Protocol) address is a unique numerical identifier assigned to every device connected to the Internet. It serves as a virtual location for these devices, allowing them to communicate with each other and with other devices on the Internet.
An IP address has two main functions: identifying the host or network interface, and providing the location of the host in the network. IP addresses are either IPv4 (32-bit) or IPv6 (128-bit) addresses and are typically written as a series of four numbers separated by dots (for IPv4) or colon (for IPv6).
For example, an IPv4 address might look like "192.168.1.100" and an IPv6 address might look like "2001:0db8:85a3:0000:0000:8a2e:0370:7334".
When you access a website, your device sends a request to the server hosting the website, using the server's IP address. The server then returns the web page to your device, allowing you to view it in your web browser.
In summary, IP addresses play a critical role in allowing devices to communicate with each other on the Internet and are essential for the functioning of the World Wide Web.