Introduction
Let’s think – when was the last time any of us waited for a website page to load while it was slow? Yes, that’s right, no one does that anymore. When a site doesn’t load in a blink, we bounce just as fast and the user experience is ruined just like that.
And you know who else hates slow sites? Search engines! They will not be shy in bringing pages down the search rankings if your loading speed is slow and not up to par.
If you need high search visibility, speed is not a luxury. It is a non-negotiable aspect for any type of site, blog or e-commerce store. Resultantly, you need a reliable web host who can ensure lightning-fast load times.
Here’s where LiteSpeed Web Server (LSWS) enters the hosting world. It is known and trusted for its amazing speed, scalability, and resource efficiency, LiteSpeed powers everything from small websites to huge online platforms all over the world.
But what is LiteSpeed web server and why is it the go-to choice for those who refuse to compromise on performance?
This blog will cover various aspects of it – LiteSpeed web server features, meaning, benefits, comparison with Apache, LiteSpeed for WordPress, etc.
Let us get started with the basics – meaning of both Litespeed and Apache.
What is LiteSpeed?
Let us first know what LiteSpeed is. Well, LiteSpeed Web Server has an acronym and that is LSWS. It is a popular proprietary web server software. LiteSpeed Technologies developed it in the year 2003 to improve web server performance. Also, it does not need any additional hardware or infrastructure capacity for the same.
You can use it as a standalone server or as a reverse proxy backed by Apache or Nginx. In any case, it can give fast and efficient content delivery.
Moreover, it is like a quick upgrade for Apache. You can replace Apache with LiteSpeed without changing much because it can directly use the same configuration files that Apache already has. It is a smooth transition and super easy to set up without migration or downtime.
All in all, it runs on the idea of speed with scalability. It is built with an event-driven architecture that conserves resources and gives fast & reliable service. LiteSpeed can easily serve more users, load web pages faster, and handle traffic fluctuations seamlessly.
What is Apache?
Developed in 1995, Apache Web Server has been known for its versatility and compatibility. So basically, it has been around forever and widely used supporting countless website frameworks and hosting setups like cPanel, Joomla, WordPress, and Magento. Also, it played a great role as a foundation for Nginx, LiteSpeed, etc.
However, its bulky codebase to support versatility and compatibility makes it slower and less resource-efficient. Thus, it is not exactly a master of speed or scalability.
Thus, LiteSpeed sheds its unnecessary weight and focuses purely on performance.
LiteSpeed Vs Apache – How is it Different?
LiteSpeed’s name says everything. What it does is, streamline its codebase to prioritise speed and efficiency.
It has proprietary caching technologies that pre-render web pages to tailor content for specific devices based on their bandwidth and screen size.
Apache has a process-based architecture, compared to that, LiteSpeed’s event-driven design ensures faster response times with lower resource consumption.
LiteSpeed could seamlessly replace Apache without disrupting existing configurations, and this aspect set it apart. Also, it can integrate effortlessly with anything – cPanel, Plesk, or DirectAdmin. It is great for anyone looking for a quick performance boost.
LiteSpeed Web Server Features
LiteSpeed web server has so many quality features to meet modern web hosting needs. It is a preferred choice for developers and businesses because this web server software is built to load pages faster.
As we learned before, it is definitely more efficient than traditional web servers such as Apache. It can seamlessly handle heavy traffic resulting in quick website loading quickly.
Moreover, compatibility is one of the top aspects of LiteSpeed. It can easily integrate with popular web technologies and control panels. Therefore, as a website owner, it is easy for you to transition from other servers as you need not change current scripts or applications.
Among all its great qualities, LiteSpeed also has a user-friendly interface. Therefore, it is easy to manage server configurations and settings.
Let us now have an overview of – ‘What is LiteSpeed Web Server’ in terms of its features –
LiteSpeed supports both IPv4 and IPv6. Thus, it is ready for a smooth transition as the internet changes. Also, it supports various scripting languages such as PHP, Python, Ruby, or Perl and can handle them all with zero effort. Further, LiteSpeed runs on various OS such as Linux, FreeBSD, macOS, and Solaris. Thus, it can offer flexibility across OS platforms.
Its GZIP compression feature reduces file sizes before sending them to devices. Thus, it saves bandwidth with no effect on quality.
As mentioned before, it works great with cPanel, Plesk, DirectAdmin, and more due to its wide control panel compatibility.
LiteSpeed offers CloudLinux LVE compatibility and integrates smoothly with CloudLinux to ensure resource stability. It is super for shared hosting environments.
Other Features
LiteSpeed has zero downtime during updates using a graceful restart mechanism. Super convenient, right? This feature of the LiteSpeed web server ensures uninterrupted service.
Next, its event-driven design handles thousands of connections simultaneously without extensive resource use.
Moreover, LiteSpeed Cache (LSCache) – built-in caching for dynamic content – reduces page load times significantly.
Security Features
This web server works with Apache’s mod_security to offer robust protection against vulnerabilities. Its anti-DDoS protection blocks malicious traffic that limits connections and bandwidth from abusive IPs. Also, there is a Web Application Firewall (WAF) to defend against common attacks like SQL injection and cross-site scripting.
Advanced Protocol Support
The HTTP/3 and QUIC ensure faster and more secure connections. Therefore it is ideal for modern web applications. Further, Edge Side Includes (ESI allows dynamic pages to be split into fragments for separate processing to boost efficiency.
Benefits of LiteSpeed Web Server
By now you know the most essential benefit of LiteSpeed – it enables fast content delivery and brings down server load. Therefore, LiteSpeed web server hosting can handle a heavy load of visitors simultaneously at a consistent speed. Also, LiteSpeed has strong security features as discussed in the previous section. Below are the other benefits of LiteSpeed –
- High Performance – The faster response times and reduced server load of LiteSpeed means a better experience for visitors.
- Resource Efficiency – It uses fewer server resources so it is cost-effective and scalable.
- Security – LiteSpeed’s built-in protections like WAF and anti-DDoS keep your site safe from threats.
- Ease of Transition – Acting as a drop-in replacement for Apache, it eliminates the need for complex migrations.
- Future-Ready – HTTP/3 and QUIC of LiteSpeed ensure compatibility with the latest web standards.
Types of LiteSpeed Licenses
The below table displays the eight LiteSpeed Licenses. As you can see, each type has its respective domains, RAM, and workers.
Let us understand these three components of the Licences –
- Domain includes the main and sub-domains.
- RAM means RAM limit for the web server.
- The worker is the total number of LiteSpeed processes for a web server to work.
Types of Licenses –
- Free Starter – For personal websites or testing with LiteSpeed.
- Site Owner & Site Owner Plus – For managing one or more websites with moderate traffic.
- Lite to Elite – For hosting providers of all sizes with varying domain counts, RAM limits, and worker allocations.
Running WordPress on a LiteSpeed Web Server
Running WordPress on a LiteSpeed web server super-boosts your website speed. How? Let us read that below –
- LiteSpeed Cache stores pre-rendered pages that can serve them instantly to visitors.
- It handles heavy traffic easily due to its efficient architecture.
- LiteSpeed with WordPress is as simple as installing a plugin. It does not require technical knowledge.
LiteSpeed’s caching capabilities ensure your WordPress pages load incredibly fast. It stores copies of your web pages so when visitors come by these pages come almost instantly.
The next point says that it can handle many visitors at once for your site due to its event-driven architecture.
Also, LiteSpeed offers a WordPress caching plugin called LiteSpeed Cache. It integrates directly with your WordPress site so it makes setup and management super-easy.
Further, it provides strong protection against online security threats for your WordPress site. It is safe from hackers and other malicious attacks.
Lastly, it ensures that your site’s performance scales up smoothly to keep up with the increased traffic of the website.
LiteSpeed Web Server Use Cases
Let us have a look at the use cases of LiteSpeed web server –
LSCache and WordPress
LSCache makes it super-easy for WordPress users as it takes care of what needs to be cached and knows when to clear it out.
It is like having a smart assistant for your website. Moreover, this feature of LiteSpeed web server comes loaded with tools to optimise your site while managing the cache. The result? Your website becomes faster and smoother.
LSCache for XenForo
Use XenForo for forums with LSCache. It makes your forum pages load super quickly. This PHP-based add-on connects seamlessly with LiteSpeed Web Server. Also, it supports modern tech like HTTPS, HTTP/2, and QUIC without any extra setup.
LiteMage in Magento 2
LiteMage is a magic extension for Magento 2. It works hand-in-hand with LiteSpeed’s built-in page cache to boost your online platform speed. Further, it is super-efficient and makes your eCommerce site load faster.
Gzip Compression and LiteSpeed
We have covered this one before. Gzip sends data in a compressed form for both static and dynamic content. Thus, it helps save network bandwidth. Also, it ensures fast data transmission. Compression is already on by default when you install LiteSpeed.
Conclusion
Are you ready to boost your website’s performance, security, and scalability after getting a comprehensive answer to – ‘What is LiteSpeed Web Server?’
Well, its advanced caching, super security features, and amazing architecture make it a standout choice for modern hosting needs. May you have a small blog or a high-traffic e-commerce store, go for LiteSpeed to ensure your site stays fast, secure, and reliable.
Do not settle for slow and outdated servers. LiteSpeed with Cantech hosting solutions can take your website to the next level.
FAQs for LiteSpeed Web Server
How Does LiteSpeed Cache Work?
LiteSpeed cache works with the built-in caching feature that stores the web pages and loads them faster as visitors request. The speed is due to the already saved version so the server need not load it right from the beginning.
Can I use LiteSpeed Web Server with my existing website software?
Yes, it offers great compatibility with all major web technologies, CMS and control panels such as WordPress, Joomla, Magento, etc.
What is LiteSpeed Cache, and how does it work?
LiteSpeed Cache is a plugin that optimizes the site performance with LiteSpeed’s caching capabilities. As a result, it improves page load times and reduces server load.
Is LiteSpeed better than Apache?
LiteSpeed is upgraded from Apache in terms of speed, scalability, and resource efficiency. It has event-driven architecture and caching features so it is great for sites of any size.
Does LiteSpeed work with cPanel?
Yes, LiteSpeed is fully compatible with cPanel and other control panels like Plesk and DirectAdmin.
Is LiteSpeed Cache free?
The LiteSpeed Cache plugin is free for platforms like WordPress with advanced optimisation features.
Can LiteSpeed handle large traffic fluctuations?
Yes, LiteSpeed has great features with efficient resource management and event-driven design so it is efficient for handling traffic fluctuations.
Is LiteSpeed Web Server more secure than other web servers?
LiteSpeed offers advanced security features such as ModSecurity compatibility, anti-DDoS protection, and a Web Application Firewall.
What are the LiteSpeed licenses?
LiteSpeed provides 8 license types such as free starter options, enterprise-grade plans, etc. They meet various needs and budgets.
Can I migrate from Apache to LiteSpeed Web Server easily?
Yes, the LiteSpeed web server acts as a drop-in replacement for Apache. It is easy and quick to move from Apache to LiteSpeed. It takes a maximum of 15 minutes without downtime.
Why is LiteSpeed Important?
LiteSpeed handles heavy traffic and doubles the capacity of your Apache servers due to its event-driven system. You can handle multiple users without straining memory or CPU.
ModSecurity, super-efficient anti-DDoS features, tools like bandwidth and connection throttling, etc are built right in LiteSpeed.
Want to save some money? LiteSpeed helps you reduce the number of servers you need. That means your growing hosting business or online application can save a lot of expenses.
Also, with LiteSpeed, you don’t need a reverse proxy for HTTPS or extra caching layers. It is all handled so your setup is a lot simpler.
What is LiteSpeed WordPress Cache?
LiteSpeed Cache boosts your WordPress website speed by caching pages and reducing the load on your server. Basically, it makes your site faster without all that extra work happening in the background. Thus, your WordPress gets a super-boost.
