Quick answer: A VPS shares a physical host; a VDS reserves its resources; a Dedicated Server is a whole physical machine. Bandwidth is speed (how fast), traffic is volume (how much), and an IP address is your server's unique network address.
Overview
This glossary explains the key hosting terms you'll meet at Cloud2Y in plain language, so ordering and managing a server is easy.
Server types
- VPS (Virtual Private Server) — a virtual machine on a shared physical host, with its own OS and resources.
- VDS (Virtual Dedicated Server) — a virtual machine with reserved, non-shared CPU and RAM.
- Dedicated Server — a full physical machine dedicated to one customer.
Networking terms you'll see
- IP address — your server's unique network address (IPv4/IPv6). The primary is the Dedicated IP; extras appear under Assigned IPs.
- Bandwidth — the maximum transfer rate of your link (e.g. 1 Gbps): how fast data moves.
- Traffic — total data transferred over a period: how much data moves. Some plans include a monthly allowance.
- Gateway / Subnet mask — network settings (shown in the Client Area) to configure networking on the server.
- Reverse DNS (PTR) — maps an IP back to a hostname; set it for your public IPv4 in the Client Area.
Common issues
- Confusing bandwidth with traffic: bandwidth is speed, traffic is volume — a 1 Gbps link can move many TB per month.
- VPS vs VDS: a VPS shares resources; a VDS reserves them — see how to choose.
- Using the wrong network settings: always use the exact IP, mask and gateway shown in the Client Area.
When to contact support
If a term or setting is unclear for your specific service, open a support ticket and we'll clarify it for your configuration.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a VPS and a VDS?
A VPS shares the physical host's CPU and RAM with other virtual machines, while a VDS reserves those resources exclusively for you, so its performance is guaranteed under load.
Is bandwidth the same as traffic?
No. Bandwidth is the speed of your network connection, for example 1 Gbps, while traffic is the total amount of data transferred over a period, usually measured per month.
Related articles
- VPS, VDS or Dedicated Server: how to choose
- How to order your first VPS or dedicated server
- How to connect to your server (SSH & RDP)
Ready to get started? Order a VPS at Cloud2Y →
