When it comes to web hosting, it's important to understand the limits in place to ensure fair resource allocation and prevent any individual account from negatively impacting others. This article aims to demystify the limits you may encounter within cPanel and provide clarity on what they mean for the average user.
CloudLinux and Resource Allocation:
CloudLinux, the kernel distribution we utilize on our servers, plays a crucial role in allocating and managing resources for each account. In addition to disk space and bandwidth, CloudLinux enables us to control CPU power, RAM usage, and other resources. This ensures that no single account can monopolize resources, leading to a smoother and more stable hosting environment.
Navigating CloudLinux Limits in cPanel:
Upon logging into cPanel, you may have noticed a sidebar displaying various account details. Some of these values are specific to CloudLinux and warrant further examination. Let's explore these limits in more detail:
1. CPU Usage:
The CPU Usage value indicates the percentage of allocated CPU resources currently utilized by your account. This allocation is a fraction of the server's overall CPU resources. Reaching 100% CPU usage implies that you are utilizing your allocated resources fully, potentially impacting website performance.
2. Physical Memory Usage:
This value represents the amount of memory (RAM) your account is currently using. Each process initiated by your account consumes memory. Exceeding the limit may result in PHP errors or, in extreme cases, display a CloudLinux error page. However, these errors are typically temporary and resolve once usage returns below the limit.
3. Entry Processes:
Entry processes refer to the number of processes entering your account, including PHP page accesses, SSH sessions, and cron jobs. Contrary to popular belief, it does not directly correlate with the number of simultaneous visitors to your website. Hitting the entry processes limit may deny further processes, potentially leading to a "Resource Limit Reached" page for PHP pages.
4. Number of Processes:
Similar to entry processes, this value encompasses all processes generated by your account, beyond just PHP, SSH, or cron jobs. Typically, this number remains low even during periods of high activity, as non-PHP tasks execute rapidly.
5. I/O Usage:
I/O Usage measures the disk activity generated by your account, such as reading or writing to the server's disk drive. To maintain optimal performance for all users, we limit the maximum disk speed for each account. Exceeding this limit may cause processes to slow down, resulting in lengthier completion times.
6. Inodes:
Inodes represent the number of files and folders within your account, with each item counting as one inode. To streamline website content structure and optimize backup processes, we set a maximum inode limit. Hitting this limit can affect email functionality, cache generation, and overall website performance.
Understanding shared web hosting limits, enforced through CloudLinux, ensures a fair and efficient hosting environment for all users. These limits are essential to maintain resource equilibrium and prevent one account from negatively impacting others. If you have any further questions or require assistance, don't hesitate to reach out to our support team.
