Your Server

Buy dedicated server locally or on the other side of the world?

Does having a dedicated server in the other side of the world make much difference in page loading speed? It is so much cheaper in the US!

Public Comments

1. I don't think that anyone can really answer this question as it can be a good connection in both places. It is is a busy ISP it is going to be slow no matter where it is
2. I use one in Texas (living myself in Europe) and i'm very happy with it.
3. Page loading in most cases is not a function of server speed but of the speed of the network connection to the internet and something they call 'network latency'. Network latency is the total actual delay (sum) that occurs across all the network links that exist between the user and the end system. While distance is a major factor, especially when going across the oceans, it may not be the deciding factor. Sometimes it is simply where the user and where the server is. Putting a server or website in a small town or country with limited network bandwith will increase latency or your delay. You can be on opposite sides of the globe but as long as you exist in cities with major network hubs you can minimize the effect of latency. The last key point is where do you anticipate your users to be. For example, you might be a developer living in London creating a website for users in France. In this case it would make best sense to locate the website/server in France to keep it close to the users thus minimizing the chances of any network Latency.