The web hosting business is an established billion-dollar industry. It seems like a relatively easy business to get into. Quite simply, a developer could set up a server and connect it to the internet to server web hosting clients. You would have full control over setting up a Linux or Windows hosting server. It could be done at home or in a commercial space for your own data center. However, today’s web hosting customers have their choice when it comes to selecting a host. Therefore, if you would like to build your own web hosting server for personal use at home or commercial client use, here are some great tips to follow.
Although, if you want to get into the hosting business you don’t necessarily need to own a server. You get can a reseller hosting plan from a provider such as Verpex, and they will provide a space on their server.
Buy A Dedicated Server
To host websites, you will need a reliable server that has enough RAM, storage, and processing power. At the minimum, a web hosting server should have 2 GB of RAM. Otherwise, it won’t even have enough memory to run the basic web server software required like WHM or CPanel. Ideally, the server should be an industrial-grade server with over 8 GB of RAM and a fast processor. Of course, any additional storage is great, especially with an SSD drive. If you buy a dedicated server from a reliable provider, it will last longer and perform well for your hosting purposes.
Invest In A Server Rack
When you build a web host server, it should have the capacity to add more servers in the future. A server rack would allow you to have multiple rackmount PCs and computers in one location. Especially if you decide to buy a 19” rack mount PC, you would have many options for upgraded or additional servers in the future. Additionally, the server rack will allow you to ensure that the server is stored securely and your industrial-grade hardware is taken care of.
Request A Static IP Address
Once you have your hardware in place, you will need to connect to the internet with a static IP address. If you are in a commercial or residential location, you may have to pay more for this server. Every internet service provider should be able to offer you a static IP address if you tell them why you are using it. The static IP configuration will save you time and energy from switching your DNS or nameserver configurations every time a dynamic IP changes. For a web hosting server, you will need to have a static IP for reliable, consistent uptime.
Install Web Server Software And Databases
Now that you have your server and connection in place, the webserver should be configured on a Windows or Linux platform. Depending on your preference, you will have to install the operating system followed by a web server software like XAMPP or Windows Web Platform Installer. Most web server platforms will include Apache, PHP, and MySQL to run the server. Or, you can run a simple HTTP Apache server. After getting the basic software components installed, you can add additional software like WHCMS to manage your web hosting server. Additionally, make sure that all the correct ports and firewalls are configured for your software to function properly.
Ensure The Power Stays On
With your server fully configured, make sure that the power is on. If your area has outages or brownouts, you should invest in a generator or power conditioner. These will use battery power as a backup in case the power goes out and help you control website downtime. Of course, you should have power backups at the server point and the router/modem. Otherwise, your server will remain on without any connection. Moreover, you could talk to your ISP about getting a redundant connection to improve your server uptime.
Now, we are able to set up a web hosting server on our own. You will need to do your research to buy a good rack server PC along with a decent server rack. Make sure the server is located in a safe and cool temperature location. Then, set up a static IP address with your internet service provider to ensure consistent DNS configurations. Additionally, you should ask your ISP for the best networking package if you can afford it. With everything connected, install your preferred web server software. Then, the server is finally ready to host websites on its own. After all, make sure that the power stays on by investing in a battery or generator solution. This will ensure that your web host server stays online and running.
