Dedicated Server FAQ
Welcome to the WestHost Frequently Asked Questions. Here you will find answers to the common questions asked about our services.
- Do you have an SLA (Service Level Agreement)?
- How long does it take to get my server set up?
- Can I upgrade my WestHost Shared Hosting account to a Dedicated Server?
- Can my server's hardware be upgraded? What are the fees for this?
- How do I add additional IPs? Is there an upgrade fee?
- What is Name Based Hosting? Do I need an IP for each domain on my server?
- Can I create mail accounts on my server? What software is included for mail?
- What software will WestHost install on my server?
- Will I be able to manage my server through a Web-based control panel?
- What is RAID?
- Who is responsible for the server hardware?
- What is your uptime guarantee?
- Will I have Root Control?
- What is a Data Center?
- How often do you monitor the Data Center and servers?
- What kind of connection to the Internet will my server have?
- What is your policy on bandwidth?
1. Do you have an SLA (Service Level Agreement)? - Top
Yes, we do have an SLA on our Managed Dedicated Servers.
2. How long does it take to get my server set up? - Top
We guarantee that all our standard server configurations will be set up within 1 business day. Factors contributing to longer setup times may include server add-ons, custom configurations, and payment approval time.
3. Can I upgrade my WestHost Shared Hosting account to a Dedicated Server? - Top
Yes. If you currently have a Shared Hosting account with WestHost you can upgrade your package at any time to a dedicated server by ordering a new server via the Dedicated Server Order Form. WestHost can also move your data from your current account to your new server for you at your request. The process of this transition is seamless and requires no effort on your part.
4. Can my server's hardware be upgraded? What are the fees for this? - Top
You can upgrade your server to a larger plan at any time (Managed Dedicated Server Hosting). You may also "add-on" additional hardware, software, and features to your server at any time through your control panel.
5. How do I add additional IPs? Is there an upgrade fee? - Top
You can purchase additional IPs for $5.00 per month for 5 additional IP addresses. They can be purchased through your control panel.
6. What is Name Based Hosting? Do I need an IP for each domain on my server? - Top
Name Based Hosting is a method used to allow a server to host multiple domains with only one IP address. You do not need an IP address for each site. In fact, you only need one IP for the entire server. Name Based Hosting does not affect the performance or appearance of the domains hosted, and it's a good way to economize on IP usage.
Please note, however, that some applications and services require a dedicated IP. These include things like SSL Certificates and Anonymous FTP.
7. Can I create mail accounts on my server? What software is included for mail? - Top
All of our servers use sendmail to send and receive mail.You can create as many e-mail accounts as you like and set up auto-responders, forwarding, aliasing, and any other mail services you require using your control panel.
8. What software will WestHost install on my server? - Top
There is a complete list of features and software that comes on all Managed Dedicated Server Hosting under the Standard Features section of our site.
9. Will I be able to manage my server through a Web-based control panel? - Top
Every WestHost Managed Dedicated Server now comes with a powerful control panel (Web Host Manager - WHM). It gives you complete control over creating and customizing your account(s) and allocating resources. On an individual account level, you will use WHM to manage e-mail, domains, and other aspects of your Web site(s).
10. What is RAID? - Top
RAID, or Redundant Array of Independent Disks, is a method for storing data on multiple hard disks, then linking the disks so that the operating system on your server views them as a single entity. At WestHost, we offer RAID for both SATA and SCSI hard drives in 3 different configurations with our Dedicated Servers:
RAID-0: This type of RAID uses a method of data storage known as striping. The technology divides the data into pieces, and places each piece on a different drive. For instance, data piece A may be stored on Drive 1, while data piece B goes to Drive 2, C heads to Drive 3, and so on. Because the data is divided, RAID-0 offers the top level of performance for disk IO. It is usually used for multimedia applications like video editing and for situations where data loss is not as much a concern as speed.
RAID-1: This type of RAID uses a method of data storage known as mirroring. This refers to the fact that every piece of data is written to at least two disks. As a result, RAID-1 offers a high degree of data security, but has a slight performance decrease because it requires capturing all data on two disks.
RAID-5: This type of RAID is the most widely used because it offers a useful combination of protection and speed. It works by making enough of the data redundant so that even if a drive fails, it's still possible to recreate and retrieve the information. Offering the best performance with data protection, this solution is ideal for high performance databases and sites that require high disk throughput.
RAID-1 + Hot Spare: This type of RAID is useful in the event that one of your drives fail. RAID-1 + Hot Spare allows the drive to be replaced or rebuilt without powering down the system. The Hot Spare offers additional redundancy by ensuring that you have two good drives at all times.
11. Who is responsible for the server hardware? - Top
WestHost guarantees the functioning of all dedicated server leased hardware components and will replace any failed component at no cost to the client. Hardware repair/replacement will begin immediately upon identification of the hardware. Hardware is defined as the Processor(s), RAM, Hard Disk(s), Motherboard, NIC Card, and other related hardware included under the server lease. The time required to repair/replace hardware does not include software reinstallation and/or data recovery from backup tapes/disks (time frame depends on size of disk). You can find complete details about our Hardware Guarantee by reviewing our SLA.
12. What is your uptime guarantee? - Top
WestHost's servers connect to the Internet through redundant high-speed connections on diverse backbones, ensuring data delivery to the end user in the fastest, most efficient manner possible. WestHost guarantees a 99.9% uptime excluding scheduled maintenance of 1 hour per month and prior notified upgrades. WestHost's Cisco powered network combined with 24/7/365 monitoring by highly qualified network engineers and administrators, guarantee the functioning of all network infrastructure including routers, switches, and cabling. For more details please visit our Dedicated Server SLA (Service Level Agreement).
13. Will I have Root Control? - Top
WestHost Managed Dedicated Servers offer great control over all aspects of your server. In most cases, it is the equivalent of root access. However, true root access of your server is managed by WestHost.
14. What is a Data Center? - Top
Within the Web hosting industry, a Data Center is a facility used to store and manage Web sites and other Internet information. These Data Centers contain computer servers connected to the Internet 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. They are secure facilities that may also contain a network operations center (NOC) used for monitoring server activity, Internet traffic and network performance.
15. How often do you monitor the Data Center and servers? - Top
We monitor our Data Center and servers 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and 365 days a year.
16. What kind of connection to the Internet will my server have? - Top
Redundant telecommunications paths into the local fiber optics infrastructure are buried around our Data Center and supported by multiple fiber carriers. Tier 1 connections to the Internet backbone are available through multiple gigabit Ethernet connections with scalability to OC-48 and beyond. We are peered with Verizon, XO, Global Crossing, Level 3, and ELI.
17. What is your policy on bandwidth? - Top
There are no restrictions on bandwidth. Your traffic is expandable beyond what your plan includes. If you exceed your plans monthly allotment, you can purchase additional bandwidth at an affordable price.
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