How to Use Virtual Private Servers (VPS) to Host Trading Platforms

If you’re an ardent trader, you probably have had one or two encounters with Virtual Private Servers (VPS). This is because speed, leverage, and uptime are the most vital tools in trading, especially forex trading. These virtual platforms give you uninterrupted connectivity to the market, which helps maximize your earnings in trading. However, many traders still struggle with how to successfully utilize VPS to host their trading platforms and remotely access VPS from any device. 

Well, worry no more. In this article, we’ll explain how you can set up your trading platform on a VPS, remotely access VPS from your phone, and optimize its features to maximize your trading profits. You’ll also learn how Virtual Private Servers (VPS) benefits you as a trading platform host. 

But, before all that, let’s explain what a Virtual Private Server (VPS) is.

What Is a Virtual Private Server (VPS)?

A Virtual Private Server (VPS) is a virtual system that enables traders to monitor the forex market and execute their trades and expert advisors (EA) 24/7. It is owned by a hosting service provider who usually operates a powerful server that distributes resources like RAM, storage space, and bandwidth. This server now feeds other smaller yet powerful systems that provide a virtual environment that traders can access remotely. This remote access to trading platforms enables a trader to have an uninterrupted connection to monitor and execute trades in the forex market. 

You can control your VPS from your personal computer or smartphone, no matter where you are in the world. Thus, you don’t always have to be in the office or home to access your trading platform. Also, geography, network interruptions, power outages, or even security won’t affect your trading activities. 

Benefits of Hosting Your Trading Platform on Virtual Private Servers (VPS) 

1. Remote Access: With VPS, you can monitor and make trades over a virtual network, whether on land or even at sea. Therefore, geography won’t hinder you. You can also leverage time-sensitive positions to make profitable traders, even when using your phone on the go. 
2. Increased Reliability: Hosting your trading platform on a Virtual Private Server (VPS) gives more stability as it is not affected by network failures or system errors. Thanks to its remote access feature, you can make your trades using a virtual private tunnel over the public internet in case of interruptions. Thus, 24/7 connectivity to the forex market is guaranteed. 
3. Uptime: To successfully trade 24/7 without disruptions, you need a PC that runs 24/7 and is always connected to the internet. However, this often leads to system malfunction. A VPS helps you host your trading platform virtually. This means you’re basically using the resources provided by the VPS hosting service provider. These service providers usually operate servers that can run for long hours and have redundant backup systems in case of system failure. Therefore, you needn’t worry about system failure or power outages as they provide you with the much-needed uptime to monitor your trades in the market.
4. Latency: The location of the VPS is important, especially for high-frequency traders who wish to be in and out of the market in record time. Basing your virtual computer in a location closer to your broker or to one of the forex market’s data centers can be very beneficial. It minimizes latency and enhances faster trade executions. Most VPS providers have different locations around the world, so you can choose where you want your virtual computer to be located.
5. Increased Earnings: VPS provides your trading platform with round-the-clock connectivity to the forex market and 24/7 trade automation so you can make swift and accurate trades in the dynamic forex market. This will help ensure you earn higher profits at the end of the day. 
6. Security: Any activity on the World Wide Web requires security, especially financial activities. A Virtual Private Server (VPS) ensures your profile details are protected. As a remote machine, it is served by a server that operates with an access control list (ACL) that provides approved IP addresses to which it can allow access. The server also encrypts your data and other sensitive information during transmission to protect against potential leaks.   

How to Successfully Set Up Your Trading Platform on A VPS

So, seeing some of the benefits of Virtual Private Servers (VPS), you’ve decided it’s what you need to optimize your performance in the forex market. Well, that’s a good decision. But you still have one more decision to make. 

A. Choosing the right VPS provider:

While that might seemingly be an easy decision, there are many VPS providers for trading with varied offerings in the market. Popular ones are FXVM, Cloudzy, and Fozzy. Therefore, you must consider some important factors to make the right choice. These factors include the reliability of the VPS provider based on reviews, latency, customer support in case of any inquiries or technical issues, and, of course, the cost of the service. However, you should take caution as a shady VPS provider can copy your trading strategy or expert advisor (EA).

B. Set up and configure your VPS:

After you’ve chosen your VPS provider and paid for the service, it’s time to set up your trading platform on a VPS. Here, we’ll break down the general steps to install any VPS. You’ll need an internet connection, a remote desktop connection, and the VPS address and password of your VPS service provider. 

Then, take the following steps:

1. Register with your chosen service provider. They’ll email you with login details, which include an IP address and an 8-digit password.
2. Open a remote desktop connection (RDC) on your PC. This can be done by typing ‘remote desktop connection’ in your Windows search tool. Once you click the program, you should input your VPS IP address in the field labeled ‘Computer’ and your password in the field labeled ‘Username.’ After that, click ‘Connect,’ and your VPS will now be active on a remote desktop. The RDC is just like a Windows desktop that doesn’t have any applications. 
3. Next, open an internet browser on your remote desktop and download the MT4 client from your service provider’s site. Once you have installed and logged into the MT4, you can start trading. 
4. If you cannot afford to buy or create your own expert advisor (EA), you can get one on the VPS after enabling the MT4. An EA is an analytical software tool that allows traders to automate their trades using programmed strategies. First, open the resources tab on your RDC and check your VPS to choose the drive you want to share. Press OK, and you can now share data from your computer to your VPS. Then, install the EA into your MT4 experts’ folder and launch the MT4 terminal. Then, attach the EA to your desired charts, and you’re done.

C. How to access your VPS on your phone

To access your VPS via your phone, you need to download a Remote Desktop application. Several companies like Microsoft and TeamViewer offer theirs on Google Play Store. To access your Windows VPS on your Android phone, follow these steps:

1. Download the Microsoft Remote Desktop application from the Google Play Store. 
2. Open the application and click the “+” or “plus” button above.
3. Click on ‘Desktop’ above and enter the IP address of your Windows VPS server in the field labeled ‘PC name.’ Then, enter your username and click the ‘Save button. 
4. After saving your details, a desktop icon will appear on the application’s homepage. Tap the desktop icon to see an authentication page. Accept the authentication by tapping the ‘Connect’ button below. You can now view your Windows VPS on your phone. 

How a VPS Impacts Your Trading  

What does a VPS do for forex traders? Picture this: your PC, which may or may not be running an expert advisor (EA), and the Forex broker’s server are all connected to the internet directly. Because of this arrangement, you’ll have to always maintain a round-the-clock connection to the forex broker’s server and manually monitor your trades, as it can be affected by power outages, geographical location, internet disruptions, and system failures. 

However, a difference is seen when your PC is connected to a VPS. A well-configured VPS provides traders with uninterrupted connectivity and swift execution, enabling them to react efficiently to market movements without system failures.

Now, you do not need to personally maintain a 24/7 connection to the forex broker’s server, as the VPS already does this automatically while executing trades. Also, physical or geographical limitations cannot hinder you since the VPS can be controlled remotely using a different computer or smartphone. 

In addition, a VPS doesn’t just provide speed and uptime; it also gives you reliability and security. By leveraging VPS, you can safeguard sensitive trading data, like your trading strategies, from potential leaks while maintaining constant access to the markets regardless of your location or the capacity of your PC hardware.

Conclusion 

A well-designed Virtual Private Server (VPS) increases the efficiency and security of your trades in the forex market. It helps you stay abreast of market movements without worrying about security, system failures, power outages, internet disruptions, and geographical limitations. With these out of place, you can focus more on maximizing your trading profits.