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Some queries about WP/ BP server performance

Hi guys,

I’m in the process of creating a WP/ BP site which when it launches will have around 2000 groups created in it plus a forum in each of those groups.

Obviously this gives scope for potentially a MASSIVE number of topics being created in these forums.

My query is regarding performance of a site with such a huge number of groups, forums and topics.

Does the site’s performance degrade the more of these I have.

I have noticed that when in the groups directory that scrolling through the pages of the groups listings is pretty fast. the AJAX refreshes quickly with the next page of results, however when scrolling through the forum directory it seems quite a bit slower.

Check it out here:

Groups Directory: http://sharespeak.co.uk/groups/

Forum Directory: http://sharespeak.co.uk/forums/

Try it yourselves. Click on the arrows on these pages to scroll through the pages. You’ll notice a faster response on the groups directory pages. Both directories have the same amount of results in them. I have currently created around 750 groups with a forum in each so there are 750 results in each case.

Obviously as I create more and more of these will the response be even slower?

I have no idea how the infrastructure works that’s all so it would be nice to hear from those with a similar sized site if possible.

During development the site is only on a shared hosting package but when I launch I will migrate to a virtual private server or a dedicated private server. Anyone got any recommendations for which companies to go for. I currently host with Jomongee and their tech support seems second to none.

Thanks in advance for any advice you could give me!

Ross :slight_smile:

Sun, 18 Apr 2010 23:01:05
  • Andrew
    • Champion of Loops

    My query is regarding performance of a site with such a huge number of groups, forums and topics.

    Does the site’s performance degrade the more of these I have.

    Yes (due to the db getting larger). However, the real issue is traffic.

    I have noticed that when in the groups directory that scrolling through the pages of the groups listings is pretty fast. the AJAX refreshes quickly with the next page of results, however when scrolling through the forum directory it seems quite a bit slower.

    Most likely just a difference in the table structure and queries. You may want to bring this up in the BP forums just so they’re aware of it. However, I doubt this is something they’ll jump on.

    Anyone got any recommendations for which companies to go for.

    Future Hosting provides great VPS packages.

    Thanks,

    Andrew

  • rossagrant
    • The Incredible Code Injector

    Cheers Andrew,

    So do you think that having a VPS or a dedicated Private Server would provide me with a nice fast and zippy site regardless of database size? As long as the server can handle the traffic, should I be okay?

    I really know very little unfortunately about this aspect, but with a couple of hundred simultaneous users and a large database, I expect I’ll need a decent hosting package?

  • Andrew
    • Champion of Loops

    I’d just go with a VPS and see how it goes. If you outgrow the VPS at some point just move to a dedicated server. Future Hosting offers those as well.

    Note that we’re not affiliated with Future Hosting in any way. We’ve just used them in the past ourselves. You may find another host that is just as good.

    Thanks,

    Andrew