I/O usage, IOPS and entry processes explained

Why hosting has limits

On shared hosting, many websites use one server. Limits make sure no single site takes all the power. Think of a shared kitchen. Each cook may use the stove for a fair time only. The exact numbers depend on your plan, so check your plan details or ask Hostvento support.

What is I/O usage?

I/O means input and output. It is the speed at which your site reads from and writes to the server disk. Each time a page loads a file or saves data, it uses I/O. The limit is shown as a speed, such as megabytes per second. If your site hits it, pages slow down.

What is the IOPS limit?

IOPS means input/output operations per second. It counts how many small read and write jobs your account asks the disk to do each second. I/O usage is about how much data moves. IOPS is about how many separate jobs there are. A site with lots of tiny files and busy databases uses many IOPS.

What is the entry processes limit?

An entry process is one visitor request that is being handled by your account at that moment. It is like people standing at a shop counter. The shop can serve only so many at once. If too many visitors arrive together, extra ones must wait. Visitors may then see a "503 Service Unavailable" or "Resource Limit Reached" page.

How to check your usage in cPanel

Log in to cPanel.
Use the search box and type Resource Usage.
Click Resource Usage, or a similar tool such as CPU and Concurrent Connection Usage.
Look at the graphs for I/O, IOPS and entry processes.
Check for lines that touch the limit.

The name and look of this tool can vary. Ask support if you cannot find it.

How to reduce the load

Use a caching plugin on WordPress. It saves ready-made pages so the server works less.
Delete unused plugins, themes and old backups.
Compress large images.
Block bad bots that visit too often.
Turn off heavy plugins that scan files all day.
Run big backups at quiet hours.
Use a content delivery network. A CDN keeps copies of your files on servers around the world.

Tip: If you keep hitting limits, your site may have outgrown its plan. Open a support ticket and ask about the options.

Quick recap

I/O usage is how fast data moves to and from the disk.
IOPS is how many disk jobs happen each second.
Entry processes are visitor requests being handled at once.
Check usage in cPanel and lower it with caching and clean-ups.