CloudLinux LVE limits are the per-account caps on CPU, memory, disk activity and processes that stop one hosting account from slowing down a whole shared server, and CageFS is the feature that gives each account an isolated view of the file system. Together they let a server host many separate sites safely. This guide explains how each limit works, how to set sensible values, and what a CloudLinux licence costs if you run your own server.
The problem CloudLinux solves
On a standard Linux server, all hosting accounts draw from one shared pool of CPU and memory. If one site gets a traffic spike, runs a runaway script or is hit by a bot, it can consume most of the server, and every other site slows down or stops. Files can also be more exposed: a compromised account may be able to look around the server for other users’ configuration files.
Hosting providers used to manage this by watching load and suspending the worst offenders by hand. CloudLinux makes the limits automatic and per account.
How CloudLinux works
Lightweight Virtual Environment (LVE)
Each account runs inside an LVE, a kernel-level container with its own limits. The main ones are:
- CPU: the share of processor time an account can use.
- Physical memory: how much RAM its processes can hold.
- I/O and IOPS: how fast and how often it can read and write to disk.
- Entry processes: how many simultaneous connections to the site’s scripts it can run.
- Number of processes: the total processes the account can start.
When an account reaches a limit, its own site slows down or returns an error, while every other account keeps working normally. Account owners can see their usage in cPanel’s resource usage page, which helps them understand when they need a bigger plan or need to fix a slow plugin.
Choosing sensible LVE limits
Limits that are too tight cause errors for normal visitors; limits that are too loose do not protect anyone. A practical approach:
- Start from CloudLinux’s defaults, then set limits per hosting package rather than per account, so larger plans get more.
- Watch the “faults” reported for each account. Occasional faults during peaks are normal; constant faults mean the limit is too low or the site needs fixing.
- Raise entry processes before CPU if a site shows errors under many simultaneous visitors but CPU is not maxed out.
- Keep the total of what you promise realistic for the server’s real CPU cores and RAM.
- Show customers their usage and explain what to do when they hit limits, such as enabling caching or upgrading.
CageFS
CageFS gives every account its own virtualised file system. Users can only see their own files and the system tools they need, not other customers’ home directories or sensitive server files. This limits what an attacker can do from a compromised account.
PHP Selector
PHP Selector lets each account choose its own PHP version and extensions, so an older application and a modern one can run side by side on the same server.
MySQL Governor
MySQL Governor tracks database usage per account and can restrict an account whose queries are overloading the shared database server.
SecureLinks
SecureLinks protects against symbolic link attacks, an older but still common technique for reading another user’s files on shared servers.
Who needs CloudLinux
- Shared hosting providers: it is the standard way to keep hundreds of accounts on one server stable and separated.
- Resellers and agencies on their own servers: if you host many client sites on a VPS or dedicated server, isolation stops one client’s problem becoming everyone’s problem.
- Schools, universities and organisations that host separate sites for departments or users on one server.
You probably do not need it if the server hosts only your own one or two sites, or a single custom application.
What it means if you are a hosting customer
You do not buy CloudLinux for ordinary hosting; your provider runs it. When choosing a host, ask whether accounts are isolated and what your CPU, memory and process limits are. Every Tremhost web hosting plan runs on CloudLinux, and so do its reseller plans, so each account has its own limits.
Installing CloudLinux on your own server
CloudLinux is usually installed by converting an existing compatible system, such as AlmaLinux, with CloudLinux’s conversion tool, then rebooting into the CloudLinux kernel. Before you start:
- Take a full backup or snapshot of the server.
- Check that your operating system version is supported.
- Activate the licence for the server.
- After conversion, set sensible default limits in WHM, then adjust per package.
- Enable CageFS for all users, and turn on PHP Selector if your customers need different PHP versions.
CloudLinux licence from Tremhost
Tremhost supplies CloudLinux as a shared licence with unlimited accounts that receives official vendor updates. As listed on the live CloudLinux licence page, it costs $6 a month, $69 a year or $250 once for a lifetime licence. It is also available in bundles with cPanel and other tools; every licence is listed on the Tremhost licences page.
Payment is in US dollars by EcoCash, InnBucks, ZimSwitch, Omari, Visa, Mastercard, Bitcoin, Tron or Litecoin. Support is by ticket, WhatsApp on +263 73 563 9917 or booked call, Monday to Friday, 08:00 to 17:00 CAT.
Frequently asked questions
Does CloudLinux make websites faster?
Not directly. It makes performance more predictable by stopping other accounts taking your share. Speed still depends on your web server, caching and code.
Is CloudLinux a security tool?
Partly. CageFS and SecureLinks reduce what a compromised account can reach, but you still need a malware scanner and firewall, such as Imunify360.
Does it work with cPanel and Plesk?
Yes. CloudLinux integrates with cPanel, Plesk and DirectAdmin.
What does “unlimited accounts” mean on the licence?
The licence does not cap how many hosting accounts the server can isolate. The server’s own resources set the practical limit.
Next step
If you run your own hosting server, order a licence on the Tremhost CloudLinux licence page. If you just want isolated hosting without running a server, choose a Tremhost web hosting plan or a reseller plan, where CloudLinux is already included at no extra cost.
