OpenLiteSpeed (OLS) is a fast, lightweight, and open-source web server developed by LiteSpeed Technologies. It is built to handle high-performance web hosting with minimal resource usage, offering modern features like HTTP/3, built-in caching, and automatic HTTPS. OpenLiteSpeed is an excellent choice for developers and system administrators looking for a simple, efficient, and secure web server solution.
Key Features of OpenLiteSpeed
- High Performance
OpenLiteSpeed uses an event-driven architecture, allowing it to handle thousands of simultaneous connections efficiently. It performs exceptionally well under heavy loads, making it ideal for high-traffic websites and applications. - LiteSpeed Cache (LSCache)
Integrated LSCache provides advanced caching for both static and dynamic content. It significantly improves website speed and reduces server load, especially for platforms like WordPress and Magento. - Automatic HTTPS with Let’s Encrypt
OpenLiteSpeed simplifies SSL/TLS management by automatically issuing and renewing Let’s Encrypt certificates, ensuring secure connections without manual intervention. - HTTP/3 and QUIC Support
With support for modern web protocols like HTTP/3 and QUIC, OpenLiteSpeed ensures faster and more reliable connections, especially on mobile and high-latency networks. - Easy Configuration with Web Admin Panel
The user-friendly web-based admin interface simplifies server configuration, virtual host setup, and SSL certificate management. - Dynamic Content Handling
OpenLiteSpeed supports multiple programming languages, including PHP, Python, Ruby, and Node.js, making it suitable for both static websites and dynamic applications. - Rewrite Rules Compatibility
OpenLiteSpeed supports Apache-style.htaccess
rewrite rules, making migrations from Apache easy and seamless. - Reverse Proxy and Load Balancing
Built-in reverse proxy and load balancing features improve scalability and reliability for distributed web applications. - Security Features
OpenLiteSpeed includes a Web Application Firewall (WAF) to protect against common vulnerabilities such as SQL injection, cross-site scripting (XSS), and distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks. - Resource Efficiency
OpenLiteSpeed uses fewer CPU and memory resources compared to traditional web servers, making it an excellent option for systems with limited resources.
Benefits of OpenLiteSpeed
- Cost-Effective: OpenLiteSpeed is free and open-source, offering many features typically found in premium web servers.
- Performance: Faster response times and better handling of dynamic content compared to Apache.
- Ease of Use: Simple setup and intuitive configuration, suitable for both beginners and experienced administrators.
- Compatibility: Works seamlessly with popular CMS platforms like WordPress, Joomla, and Drupal.
- Security: Ensures secure communication with built-in SSL/TLS support and WAF.
Use Cases for OpenLiteSpeed
- Hosting Static Websites
Serve HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and other static files with high speed and low latency. - Dynamic Content and CMS Hosting
Run WordPress, Magento, Joomla, or other CMS platforms with built-in caching and PHP optimization. - High-Traffic Websites
Handle large volumes of traffic efficiently, making it suitable for blogs, e-commerce stores, and news sites. - Secure API Gateways
Use OpenLiteSpeed to secure and optimize RESTful or GraphQL APIs. - Development Environments
Quickly set up local development environments with minimal configuration. - E-commerce Platforms
OpenLiteSpeed’s caching and performance optimizations ensure fast, reliable online shopping experiences.
OpenLiteSpeed vs Other Web Servers
- OpenLiteSpeed vs Apache
OpenLiteSpeed is faster, consumes fewer resources, and offers built-in caching and automatic HTTPS, whereas Apache requires more manual setup for similar features. - OpenLiteSpeed vs Nginx
Both are lightweight and high-performance, but OpenLiteSpeed’s LSCache and easier SSL management give it an edge for CMS platforms like WordPress. - OpenLiteSpeed vs LiteSpeed Enterprise
OpenLiteSpeed is the free version of LiteSpeed Enterprise, offering most of the same features but without the premium support and advanced enterprise-specific optimizations.
Getting Started with OpenLiteSpeed
- Installation
OpenLiteSpeed can be installed on various Linux distributions, including Debian, Ubuntu, AlmaLinux, and CentOS. It is also available as a Docker image. - Configuration
Use the web admin interface to configure virtual hosts, enable caching, and set up SSL certificates. - Deploy Your Website
Upload your static files or configure your CMS, and start serving content immediately. - Optimization
Enable LSCache and tune performance settings to maximize speed and efficiency.
Why Choose OpenLiteSpeed?
OpenLiteSpeed is an excellent choice for developers, small businesses, and enterprises looking for a fast, secure, and easy-to-use web server. Whether you’re hosting a simple blog or a large e-commerce platform, OpenLiteSpeed provides the tools and performance you need to deliver a superior user experience.
Step 1: Create an Instance
Before starting, set up a server instance running Rocky Linux 9.
Log in to Shape.Host: Access your Shape.Host account and navigate to your Dashboard.
Start Server Creation: Click the “Create” button in the top-right corner.
Select Instance: Choose “Instances” to begin creating a new server.

Pick Server Location: Select a data center closest to your target audience for better performance.

Choose a Plan: Select a plan that aligns with your project needs, such as Standard or Memory-Optimized.
Set the OS: Choose Rocky Linux 9 as your operating system.

Finalize and Launch: Pick your preferred authentication method (SSH keys or password) and click Create Instance.

In dashboard you can find your IP.

Step 2: Connect to Your Instance
Connect to your server using SSH:
- Linux/macOS:
ssh root@<your_server_ip>
- Windows: Use PuTTY. Enter the server’s IP, select SSH, and log in with your credentials.
Step 3: Install OpenLiteSpeed
Step 3.1: Update the System
Start by updating your system:
dnf update
Step 3.2: Install wget
Install wget
for downloading files:
dnf install -y wget

Step 3.3: Add OpenLiteSpeed Repository and Install
Run the LiteSpeed repository script:
wget -O - https://repo.litespeed.sh | bash

Install OpenLiteSpeed and PHP 8.1:
dnf install -y epel-release
dnf install openlitespeed lsphp81


Step 4: Set Admin Console Password
Set up the admin console password for OpenLiteSpeed:
/usr/local/lsws/admin/misc/admpass.sh
Follow the prompts to set your admin username and password.

Step 5: Start and Check OpenLiteSpeed Service
Step 5.1: Update the System Again
Ensure all components are updated:
dnf update

Step 5.2: Check the Service Status
Verify that OpenLiteSpeed is installed and running:
systemctl status lsws

Step 6: Configure Firewall
Step 6.1: Unmask and Enable Firewalld
Unmask and enable the firewall service:
systemctl unmask firewalld
systemctl enable firewalld
systemctl start firewalld
Step 6.2: Allow Required Ports
OpenLiteSpeed requires several ports for operation. Allow the following ports:
firewall-cmd --zone=public --permanent --add-port={80/tcp,443/tcp,8088/tcp,7080/tcp}
Step 6.3: Add HTTP and HTTPS Services
Enable HTTP and HTTPS services:
firewall-cmd --permanent --add-service=http
firewall-cmd --permanent --add-service=https
Step 6.4: Reload Firewall
Apply the changes:
firewall-cmd --reload

Step 7: Access the OpenLiteSpeed Web Console
To access the OpenLiteSpeed web console, open your browser (e.g., Chrome) and navigate to:
http://<SERVER-IP>:7080

Log in with the admin username and password you set earlier.


You have successfully installed and configured OpenLiteSpeed on Rocky Linux 9. For reliable and scalable hosting solutions, consider Shape.Host Linux SSD VPS, ensuring high performance for all your web applications.