Bandwidth is the rate of data transfer (e.g. Mbps); data transfer is the volume over a period (e.g. TB/month). Shared bandwidth is common on VPS; dedicated or burstable options suit traffic spikes. Understand overage and caps to avoid surprises.
Bandwidth vs transfer
- Bandwidth (throughput): How much data can flow per second (e.g. 100 Mbps). Affects peak speed.
- Data transfer (volume): Total data in/out over a billing period (e.g. 2 TB/month). Often metered or capped.
- Unmetered may still have fair-use or throttling; read the AUP.
Shared vs dedicated
- Shared: You share the link with other tenants; cost-effective but can vary under load.
- Dedicated: Guaranteed rate for your server; predictable, often at a premium.
- Burstable: Base rate with burst for peaks; good when traffic is spiky.
Overage and caps
- Overage: Extra charge per GB (or similar) when you exceed included transfer.
- Hard cap: Traffic throttled or blocked after a limit; no surprise bill but service impact.
- Soft cap: Overage billed; watch usage and set alerts to avoid surprises.
Summary
Bandwidth = rate; transfer = volume. Choose shared, dedicated, or burstable based on traffic pattern. Know overage and caps; monitor usage.
