You probably already know why you should choose a VPS for your next project or business idea. However, if you’re wondering what other VPS deployment types are out there, then you’ll want to read on. In this post, we will explore what a KVM VPS is – a virtualisation technology used by hosting providers to create VPS. We'll also look at how KVM technology works, other available web hosting options, and compare how KVM stacks up against them.

What is a KVM VPS?

KVM (Kernel-based Virtual Machine) is an open-source virtualisation technology that allows you to run multiple isolated virtual machines on a single physical server. Built with a Linux-based hypervisor, a KVM VPS is a virtual machine that provides a dedicated and isolated environment for your use.

What is KVM VPS technology and how does it work?

A KVM VPS gives you your own separate environment with specific resources like CPU, RAM, and storage. The Linux kernel (a kernel being a program at the core of an operating system that always has complete control over everything in the system) lets the physical server host multiple virtual machines – allowing every VPS to run its own operating system such as Linux or Windows.

KVM virtualisation uses hardware virtualisation extensions to create a virtual environment for each guest operating system. These extensions allow the CPU to provide separate memory space and virtual hardware resources for each virtual machine. These resources include virtual CPUs, network interfaces, and storage devices.

When a guest operating system tries to run instructions or access hardware, the hardware virtualisation extensions catch these operations. They then redirect them to the KVM hypervisor. The hypervisor then mimics the requested operations or gives access to the physical hardware resources in a controlled and safe way.

What’s better is that guest operating systems in KVM virtual machines don't have to match the host operating system. KVM works with many different guest operating systems such as Linux distributions, Windows, and other Unix-like systems. Each guest runs on its own, not knowing about other guests on the same physical host – ensuring guests stay separate and secure.

Want to learn more? Discover RDP vs KVM in our fully comprehensive guide.

What are the advantages of a KVM VPS?

1. Fast performance

KVM VPS offers like-for-like performance, allowing virtual machines to access the host system's hardware resources directly. Direct access removes the overhead associated with traditional virtualisation methods – meaning faster processing speeds and improved performance.

2. Isolated resources

KVM uses kernel-based virtualisation, meaning each virtual machine runs in an isolated environment with dedicated resources. Isolation ensures that the performance of one virtual machine does not affect the others, providing a stable and reliable environment for running applications and services.

3. Scalability

KVM VPS are highly scalable. Just like with a standard VPS, it allows you to adjust the allocated resources (CPU, RAM, storage) as your needs change. This flexibility allows you to scale up or down without disrupting your day-to-day use of the KVM VPS.

4. Cost-effectiveness

Compared to dedicated servers, KVM VPS offers a cost-effective solution by allowing multiple virtual machines to share the same physical hardware resources. This shared infrastructure reduces hardware costs and makes KVM VPS an attractive option for businesses of all sizes. As your business grows, your needs may change and you may have to upgrade further down the line. But you can still expect unmatched performance with a KVM VPS for many years to come.

5. Good security

KVM virtualisation is built with security in mind. Each virtual machine is isolated from the others, preventing potential security breaches from spreading across the system. Additionally, KVM supports various security features, such as SELinux (Security-Enhanced Linux) and AppArmor, which further enhance the overall security posture of the virtual environment.

What can you use a KVM VPS for?

1. Web hosting

KVM VPS hosting is an excellent choice for hosting websites, blogs, and web applications. With dedicated resources and root access, you can configure the server environment according to your specific needs, ensuring optimal performance and security for your web projects.

2. Development

Developers often require isolated and customisable environments for building and testing applications. A KVM VPS provides a flexible and scalable platform for developing software, allowing developers to install the required tools, libraries, and frameworks – without interfering with other projects you may have on the go.

3. Testing

 KVM VPS solutions are ideal for setting up testing environments. You can create multiple virtual instances to simulate different scenarios, configurations, or user loads. This allows for thorough testing and debugging before deploying applications or updates to production environments.

KVM VPS vs other web hosting solutions

When choosing a hosting solution, it's crucial to consider your specific needs, budget, and growth plans. KVM VPS offers a balance between performance, flexibility, and cost-effectiveness, making it an attractive option for many users. However, other solutions like shared hosting, dedicated servers, cloud hosting, and managed VPS may be better suited for certain scenarios.

1. Shared hosting vs. KVM VPS

Shared hosting is an economical option for small websites or blogs with small-to-medium levels of traffic. Though multiple websites share the same server resources, making it cost-effective but limiting in terms of performance, customisation, and resource allocation. Comparing it to a  KVM VPS, it provides dedicated resources, root access, and the ability to install custom software, making it more powerful and flexible, albeit at a higher cost.

2. Dedicated servers vs. KVM VPS

Dedicated servers offer far superior performance, security, and control by dedicating an entire physical server to a single user. However, they are way more expensive and require more technical expertise to manage. A KVM VPS strikes a balance by providing dedicated resources within a virtualised environment, making it more affordable and easier to manage while still offering good performance and flexibility.

3. Cloud hosting vs. KVM VPS

Cloud hosting uses multiple servers to provide a hosting solution for website owners and developers. It’s great for handling sudden traffic spikes, as it’s very easy to scale. However, cloud hosting can be more complex and expensive – particularly if you go down the private cloud hosting route – especially for smaller websites or applications. KVM VPS offers a more straightforward and cost-effective solution for many use cases, with the ability to scale vertically by upgrading resources as needed.

4. Managed VPS vs. KVM VPS

A Managed VPS provides the benefits of a VPS environment with the added convenience of professional management and maintenance services. This can be beneficial for users who lack the technical expertise or time to handle server administration tasks. However, managed VPS solutions typically come at a higher cost compared to a self-managed KVM VPS. Only consider this option if you’re not as tech-savvy.

Ready to get your own KVM VPS or need more information? Contact us today! Be sure to bookmark the Fasthosts blog for more information on our VPS and other Web Hosting solutions.