Frequently Asked Questions
Honest Answers to Your Server Questions
We've compiled the most common questions about 10Gbps servers, bandwidth terminology, and hosting decisions. No marketing speak—just straightforward explanations to help you make informed choices.
Quick Answers
The most common questions at a glance
How fast is 10Gbps?
10Gbps means roughly 1.25 gigabytes per second—you can transfer a 50GB file in under a minute.
What does unmetered mean?
No data caps or transfer limits. You pay a flat monthly rate and use as much bandwidth as you want.
Dedicated vs VPS?
Dedicated = entire physical server for you. VPS = virtualized portion of a shared server.
Why are some servers cheap?
Usually older hardware, shared uplinks, less premium locations, or promotional pricing from newer providers.
General Questions
Basic concepts about 10Gbps servers
What exactly is a 10Gbps dedicated server?
A 10Gbps dedicated server is a physical server (not virtualized) with a network port capable of transferring data at 10 gigabits per second. That's roughly 1.25 gigabytes every second—10 times faster than a standard 1Gbps connection. You get the entire server to yourself with root access, meaning no other customers share your hardware resources.
Who actually needs 10Gbps bandwidth?
10Gbps is ideal for high-bandwidth workloads: video streaming platforms serving many concurrent viewers, game server hosting with fast file downloads, CDN edge nodes distributing content, VPN services handling thousands of connections, large file distribution, and backup/disaster recovery operations. If you're running a small website or app with moderate traffic, you probably don't need 10Gbps—a 1Gbps server would be more cost-effective.
Is 10Gbps overkill for my needs?
Possibly. Here's a reality check: a 1Gbps server can stream 4K video to about 200 concurrent viewers. If your needs are below that scale, 10Gbps might be more than you need. However, 10Gbps servers often come with unmetered bandwidth, which can make them cost-effective even if you don't max out the speed—you're paying for predictable costs rather than per-GB charges.
What's the difference between port speed and actual throughput?
Port speed (10Gbps) is the maximum theoretical capacity of your network connection. Actual throughput depends on many factors: the remote server's speed, network congestion, routing efficiency, and your server's ability to process data fast enough. In practice, achieving sustained 10Gbps requires optimized software configurations and destinations that can also handle high speeds.
Can I really achieve 10Gbps speeds?
Yes, but with caveats. You can achieve 10Gbps when transferring to/from other high-speed servers on well-peered networks (like between two servers in the same data center). Internet connections to end users will be limited by their connection speeds. Internally, the server's storage I/O and CPU also need to keep up—that's why NVMe storage and modern CPUs matter for high-bandwidth workloads.
Bandwidth & Traffic
Understanding data transfer terms
What's the difference between unmetered and unlimited bandwidth?
Unmetered means your data transfer isn't tracked or counted—you use what you need at your port speed without overage charges. Unlimited suggests no restrictions but often comes with 'fair use' policies that may throttle heavy users. Practically speaking, both typically mean predictable costs without per-GB billing, but always read the provider's terms for specifics.
Do unmetered servers have any limits?
Yes, the limit is your port speed. On a 10Gbps unmetered server, the theoretical maximum is about 3.2 petabytes per month if you ran at full speed 24/7. Some providers also have acceptable use policies that may restrict certain types of traffic (like sustained full-speed usage or specific protocols). Always check the terms of service.
Why do some 10Gbps servers cost less than 1Gbps servers?
The 10Gbps refers to your port speed, not a dedicated 10Gbps to the internet. Cheaper 10Gbps servers often share bandwidth with other customers, use older hardware, or are in less-connected data centers. More expensive servers typically offer dedicated bandwidth, premium peering, and better hardware. Always check whether bandwidth is shared or dedicated.
What does 'burstable to 10Gbps' mean?
Burstable means you can temporarily reach 10Gbps speeds during traffic spikes, but your committed (guaranteed) rate is lower (often 1Gbps or 2.5Gbps). It's a cost-effective option if you have occasional spikes but don't need consistent high bandwidth. However, sustained usage at burst speeds may result in additional charges or throttling.
How much data can I transfer on a 10Gbps unmetered server?
At full 10Gbps speed running 24/7, you could theoretically transfer about 3.2 petabytes per month. In reality, few workloads sustain that level. A busy streaming server might transfer 500TB-1PB monthly. The 'unmetered' aspect means you don't pay extra regardless of how much you transfer—it's all included in your monthly price.
Technical Questions
Hardware, software, and setup details
What hardware specifications should I look for?
For most 10Gbps workloads: CPU with 8+ cores (Intel Xeon or AMD EPYC), 64GB+ RAM for caching, NVMe storage for fast I/O, and a quality network card (Intel X710 or Mellanox). The specific requirements depend on your use case—streaming needs more CPU for encoding, CDN needs more storage, databases need more RAM and fast storage.
Does my application need special configuration for 10Gbps?
Often yes. Default Linux network settings are tuned for lower speeds. For optimal 10Gbps performance, you may need to adjust network buffer sizes (tcp_rmem, tcp_wmem), enable TCP BBR congestion control, tune NIC interrupt affinity, and potentially use multiple network queues. Your hosting provider may offer guides or pre-optimized images.
What operating systems are available?
Most providers offer popular Linux distributions (Ubuntu, Debian, CentOS/Rocky/Alma, Fedora), Windows Server (usually at extra cost), and sometimes FreeBSD. Some offer custom images or let you upload your own ISO. For high-bandwidth workloads, Linux is generally preferred due to better network stack performance and lower overhead.
How do I test if I'm getting full 10Gbps speeds?
Use tools like iperf3 between your server and another high-speed server on a well-peered network. For real-world testing, try downloading from fast CDNs or running speed tests to servers in the same data center network. Remember that internet speeds vary—testing to a server across the world won't show your full capacity.
Do I need special software to utilize 10Gbps?
Not necessarily, but optimization helps. Most modern applications work fine, but may not saturate 10Gbps without tuning. For streaming, use efficient encoders and serving software (Nginx, HLS). For file transfer, tools like rclone, rsync with parallel transfers, or specialized transfer software can help maximize throughput.
Server Types
Dedicated, VPS, bare metal explained
What's the difference between dedicated and bare metal servers?
In practice, these terms are often used interchangeably. Both refer to physical servers where you have exclusive access to all hardware resources. 'Bare metal' sometimes emphasizes instant provisioning (like cloud VMs but on physical hardware) while 'dedicated' may involve longer setup times. Check each provider's specifics—the actual service matters more than the label.
Should I choose VPS or dedicated for 10Gbps workloads?
For serious 10Gbps workloads, dedicated servers are usually better. VPS shares physical hardware with other customers, which can lead to unpredictable performance and network contention. However, a 10Gbps VPS can work well for moderate bandwidth needs at lower cost. If you need consistent, reliable high-throughput, go dedicated.
What are streaming servers specifically optimized for?
Streaming servers typically feature high single-thread CPU performance (for encoding), generous bandwidth allocations, storage optimized for sequential reads, and sometimes hardware video encoders. They're marketed toward IPTV providers, video platforms, and media distribution. Any high-spec 10Gbps server can work for streaming—the 'streaming server' label often just indicates the intended use case.
What makes a server suitable for gaming?
Game servers need low latency above all else—look for locations close to your players and providers with good peering. High single-thread CPU performance matters for some games (Minecraft, ARK). 10Gbps helps with fast game file downloads and absorbing DDoS attacks. RAM requirements vary by game (from 8GB for simple servers to 64GB+ for heavily modded games).
Are there servers specifically for VPN services?
Not really hardware-wise—any server can run VPN software. What matters for VPN hosting is: privacy-friendly jurisdiction, no logging requirements, good peering to target regions, generous bandwidth, multiple IP addresses, and DDoS protection. Look for providers in Netherlands, Sweden, or other privacy-conscious locations with strong network connectivity.
Pricing & Billing
Costs, contracts, and what's included
Why do 10Gbps server prices vary so much?
Several factors affect pricing: hardware age/specs, whether bandwidth is shared or dedicated, data center quality, network peering quality, included DDoS protection level, support quality, and the provider's business model. A €50/month server likely has older hardware and shared bandwidth. A €500/month server probably offers dedicated bandwidth, newer hardware, and premium support.
What's typically included in the monthly price?
Usually: the physical server, a set amount of bandwidth (or unmetered), an IP address, basic DDoS protection, remote management (IPMI/iLO/iDRAC), and standard support. Often extra: additional IPs, premium DDoS protection, managed services, Windows licenses, cPanel/Plesk, hardware upgrades, and faster SLAs.
Are there setup fees?
Varies by provider. Some charge setup fees (€20-€100+), especially for custom configurations or shorter contracts. Many waive setup fees for annual contracts or promotional periods. Instant deployment servers typically have no setup fee since provisioning is automated. Always factor setup fees into your total cost comparison.
What contract lengths are available?
Options typically include monthly (most flexible, highest price), quarterly, semi-annual, and annual (best prices). Some providers require minimum contract terms. Longer commitments often get significant discounts—annual plans can be 20-30% cheaper than monthly. Consider your needs: flexibility vs. savings.
Are there hidden costs I should know about?
Watch out for: bandwidth overage charges (on metered plans), IP address costs ($2-5/month each), Windows licensing ($20+/month), control panel licenses, premium support fees, hardware upgrade pricing, cancellation fees on contracts, and automatic renewal at higher rates. Always read the full pricing details before ordering.
Security & Protection
DDoS protection and security features
What DDoS protection is typically included?
Most providers include basic DDoS protection (often 1-10Tbps capacity) that handles common volumetric attacks. This usually works automatically without configuration. Premium protection (against more sophisticated attacks, application-layer protection, or higher capacity) may cost extra. The protection level matters more for gaming servers and other DDoS-targeted workloads.
Is my server physically secure?
Quality data centers have multiple security layers: 24/7 security personnel, biometric access controls, CCTV monitoring, mantrap entries, and individual rack locks. Your server shares a facility with many others, but you have exclusive access to your hardware. Remote management (IPMI) lets you access the server console without physical presence.
How do I secure my server after deployment?
Essential steps: change default passwords, configure a firewall (ufw, iptables, or firewalld), disable root SSH login, use SSH keys instead of passwords, keep software updated, disable unnecessary services, and set up automated security updates. For production, consider intrusion detection (fail2ban, OSSEC) and regular security audits.
What about data privacy and jurisdiction?
Server location affects which laws apply to your data. EU servers fall under GDPR. Netherlands offers strong privacy protections. Some providers explicitly state they don't share data with authorities without proper legal process. For privacy-sensitive applications (VPN services, whistleblower platforms), research each provider's policies and jurisdiction carefully.
Can I encrypt my server's storage?
Yes. You can use full-disk encryption (LUKS on Linux), though this requires entering a password during boot (challenging for remote servers without IPMI console access). Alternatives include encrypted partitions for sensitive data only, or application-level encryption. Some providers offer hardware-encrypted drives at extra cost.
Setup & Management
Getting started and managing your server
How quickly can I get a server deployed?
Instant/automated deployment takes minutes—the server is provisioned automatically after payment. Traditional dedicated servers may take 24-48 hours (sometimes longer) for manual setup, especially for custom configurations. Most providers listed here offer fast or instant deployment. Check the 'Deploy Time' indicator for each server.
What remote management options are available?
Most dedicated servers include IPMI (Intelligent Platform Management Interface), iLO (HP), or iDRAC (Dell)—hardware-level remote management that lets you access the server console, power cycle, mount ISOs, and troubleshoot even if the OS crashes. Some providers also offer web-based KVM or virtual console through their control panel.
Do I need technical expertise to manage a server?
Basic Linux knowledge is helpful for most servers. Tasks like installing software, configuring firewalls, and maintaining updates require command-line familiarity. If you're not comfortable with server administration, consider managed services (extra cost) or stick to VPS with control panels. Many providers offer cPanel/Plesk for easier management.
What support can I expect from providers?
Varies significantly. Basic support covers hardware issues and network connectivity. Some providers help with OS reinstalls. Premium/managed support may include software configuration, optimization, and 24/7 availability. Response times range from minutes (premium) to 24+ hours (basic). Check SLAs and support reviews before choosing a provider.
Can I upgrade my server later?
Depends on the provider. RAM and storage upgrades are often possible without migration. CPU upgrades usually require moving to a different server. Some providers offer easy migration tools; others require manual data transfer. Consider your growth plans—starting with a slightly larger server can avoid migration hassles later.
Comparisons & Alternatives
How 10Gbps servers compare to alternatives
10Gbps dedicated vs. cloud instances (AWS, GCP, Azure)?
Cloud instances offer flexibility and scalability but charge per-GB for bandwidth (expensive at high volumes). A 10Gbps unmetered dedicated server has predictable costs regardless of traffic. For high-bandwidth workloads, dedicated servers are often 5-10x cheaper than cloud for the same data transfer. Cloud is better for variable workloads and when you need instant scaling.
Should I use multiple 1Gbps servers or one 10Gbps server?
One 10Gbps server is simpler to manage but creates a single point of failure. Multiple 1Gbps servers provide redundancy and geographic distribution but add complexity. For CDN/streaming, multiple servers in different locations often make more sense. For single-location workloads, one powerful server is usually more cost-effective.
How does 10Gbps compare to commercial CDN services?
Commercial CDNs (Cloudflare, AWS CloudFront, Akamai) charge per-GB, typically $0.02-0.10/GB. At high volumes, your own 10Gbps servers are much cheaper. Commercial CDNs offer global reach and no infrastructure management. The break-even point varies, but if you're serving 100+TB monthly from specific regions, your own infrastructure often wins on cost.
Is renting better than buying server hardware?
Renting (dedicated server hosting) makes sense for most use cases: no upfront capital, no hardware maintenance, no data center costs, easy upgrades, and provider-handled replacements. Buying your own hardware (colocation) only makes sense at very large scale or with specific compliance requirements. Most businesses rent.
What about 25Gbps or 100Gbps servers?
They exist but are much rarer and more expensive. 10Gbps is currently the sweet spot for cost vs. capacity. 25/100Gbps servers are used for major CDN nodes, large media platforms, and interconnecting data centers. If you need more than 10Gbps, you likely need multiple 10Gbps servers for redundancy anyway.
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