Hot server definition
A hot server is a device that is actively managing a large and continuous influx of network traffic. The server is deemed “hot” because it is often running at or near maximum capacity.
A hot server should not be confused with a hot spare (also known as a “hot standby”), which refers to an active redundant device running the same configuration as the primary and ready to take over in case of failure. In this case, the term “hot” refers to the fact that the device is active at all times.
See also: hot spare, server redundancy, load balancer
Hot server management
While any server may experience a sudden spike in network traffic due to unforeseen factors (such as a “Colbert bump,” a reference on a popular show that attracts viewers to the website), system administrators typically know in advance when a server is likely to be “hot” — most often when planning for an event or a new product release.
Hot servers are optimized for performance and scalability to ensure that they can handle the projected workload. In extreme situations, multiple hot servers may be run together using a load balancer to distribute incoming traffic evenly. In addition, administrators will frequently run hot spares to take over if the hot server goes down due to overwhelming demand.
