Based on the BGP line, many service providers have launched products in different forms, such as "BGP virtual host" and "BGP cloud server". The two seem to have similar functions on the surface, but they are actually very different. Many users are confused when purchasing: virtual hosts are cheap and simple, and cloud servers are flexible and powerful - which one is better? And how to choose according to business needs?
To compare BGP virtual hosts and BGP cloud servers, you must first understand what BGP multi-line network is. BGP line is an access method that automatically selects the best exit route through the border gateway protocol, which can enable users of multiple operators such as China Telecom, China Unicom, and China Mobile to quickly access the server.
For example: if your website is deployed in a traditional single-line telecommunications room, China Unicom users may have slow access; but if you use BGP lines, China Unicom access will automatically take the best path, and there is no delay bottleneck. This means that BGP access is a smarter and more adaptable network optimization method, suitable for users across the country, especially websites or systems with dense cross-provincial and cross-operator access.
BGP virtual host and BGP cloud server: definition and difference
BGP virtual host, in layman's terms, is a shared host space using BGP lines. Users deploy websites through the control panel. It usually supports PHP, MySQL, FTP, pseudo-static and other functions, and is suitable for website building, blogs, CMS programs, etc. It is essentially a resource division form of "multiple people sharing one server". The website runs under the same operating system and shares bandwidth and CPU resources.
BGP cloud server is an elastic virtual server instance based on BGP lines. It provides users with independent operating systems, scalable resources, exclusive IPs, and root permissions through virtualization technology, which is as free as using an independent server. It is a "independent, elastic and controllable" virtual computing resource suitable for mid-to-high-end business users who need to deploy programs, operating environments, and customized security policies.
To sum up: If you just build an ordinary website/blog/display page and don't know much about server management, it is cost-effective to choose BGP virtual host. If you need higher performance, security, customization and expansion capabilities, or have program running, database access, and interface service requirements, you should undoubtedly choose BGP cloud server.
Common application scenarios: How to choose the most suitable one?
Scenario 1: Build the company's official website, CMS content site
Recommendation: BGP virtual host
Reason: Fast deployment, convenient site building, no maintenance required; at the same time, BGP lines can ensure good access speed across the country.
Scenario 2: Run a small online mall, blog, independent site
Recommendation: Lightweight BGP cloud server (such as 1 core 1G/1M bandwidth)
Reason: With backend database and interface functions, the virtual host may not have enough performance or limited permissions, and the cloud server is more suitable.
Scenario 3: Deploy APP interface, payment API, enterprise internal system
Recommendation: Medium and high-end BGP cloud server (2 cores 4G+)
Reason: Need to install server-side programs, configure Web environment, firewall, SSL, etc., and high degree of freedom is required.
Scenario 4: Game server, live broadcast transfer node, audio and video application
Recommendation: High-end BGP cloud server (multi-core + large bandwidth)
Reason: Strong dependence on CPU/memory/bandwidth, stable low-latency environment is required, virtual host is completely incapable.
There is no absolute "better use" between BGP virtual host and BGP cloud server, only more suitable for your current business needs.
If you are a novice user and want to quickly build a website online, choose a virtual host to save trouble; if you are a programmer, technical webmaster, or enterprise technical person in charge, the elasticity and freedom of cloud server will be more in line with your expectations.
From the perspective of market development, although there is still demand for virtual hosts, they have been gradually replaced by lightweight clouds and cloud servers. As the price of BGP lines gradually becomes more popular, the attractiveness of cloud servers has greatly increased.
