Server Port Speed - Does it really matter?

[humptydumpty]

I'm comparing hosts and I noticed some have lower port speeds (network card) for the cheaper plans (looking at you Contabo). Is a 1 Gbit/s port really needed for low-to-medium traffic sites?

[marcusquinn]

@humptydumpty I think low-to-medium traffic is the key in that since it's latency that has the most difference on perceived speed with web browsing & app interfaces (as opposed to things like downloading/streaming).

updown.io is my go-to for monitoring TTFB times from various locations and the cheapest way I've found of doing that.

I usually target <200ms total TTFB from the nearest location and <1s from the furthest to be considered satisfying for all.

Much of the TTFB effect is from the app itself.

As an example; we have Windows servers on Contabo, accessed via Remote Desktop on, and the screencasting is as responsive and quick as any.

If you wanted higher port speed, you'd still probably find upgrading the package on Contabo cheaper than going to something that has the higher port speeds on the lower tier packages anyway.

For me the decisions are: Contabo when I need the cost-efficient CPU & RAM but Hetzner when I want the VPS to be collaborated on, or potentially moved between accounts without migrating the underlying VPS.

I tried pretty much every other provider over the years, and when you find one or two that have a solution for all you need, perform well, have the lowest prices, and all the features you need to get things done - they become a set & forget utility and I'm grateful not to have to think about moving anything again for the foreseeable.