Case Study - VPS Web Server and Database Performance Optimization for ValbergSafe.rf
Upgraded the online store to PHP 8.2, configured Nginx and PHP-FPM, optimized the database, and protected the VPS against scanning bots.
- Client
- ValbergSafe.rf
- Year
- Service
- Improvements
About the Project
ValbergSafe.rf is the official Valberg safe and metal furniture online store in Saint Petersburg, powered by Webasyst Shop-Script and hosted on a VPS. Stable operation required an updated server environment and coordinated web server, PHP, and database settings appropriate for the virtual server resources.
The Task
The goal was to speed up online store request processing, move to a current PHP version, optimize the database, and reduce load from automated scanning.
The work included:
- auditing the VPS configuration;
- upgrading to PHP 8.2;
- configuring Nginx + PHP-FPM;
- optimizing database parameters;
- filtering scanning bots;
- configuring the firewall;
- verifying Webasyst Shop-Script after the changes.
Server Environment Audit
We reviewed resource allocation between Nginx, PHP-FPM processes, and the database. Incoming requests and background activity that could generate load without real customer traffic were analyzed separately.
The audit provided the basis for a coordinated configuration of all server environment components.
Upgrade to PHP 8.2
The online store was moved to PHP 8.2. Webasyst Shop-Script and the required PHP extensions were checked in the updated environment before launch.
The upgrade removed the dependency on an outdated PHP version and created a foundation for continued project maintenance and updates.
Nginx and PHP-FPM Configuration
The server was configured around Nginx + PHP-FPM with clear responsibilities:
- Nginx handles incoming connections and static files;
- PHP-FPM executes dynamic Webasyst Shop-Script code;
- PHP process counts and behavior match the VPS resources;
- settings support stable processing of concurrent requests.
As a result, server resources are used more predictably and dynamic store pages are processed without unnecessary overhead.
Database Optimization
The database configuration was reviewed together with the PHP-FPM settings because both components use the memory and computing resources of the same VPS.
Connection and memory parameters were aligned with the online store workload. This reduced the risk of resource contention between the database and PHP processes during concurrent catalog requests.
Scanning Bot Cleanup
Server logs showed automated requests to service, outdated, and nonexistent URLs. These requests did not provide useful traffic but consumed connections and processing time.
We identified characteristic scanning patterns, configured unwanted activity filtering, and limited repeated suspicious requests.
Firewall Configuration
Firewall rules were aligned with the project's actual needs:
- unused access paths were closed;
- unwanted automated activity was restricted;
- services required for the website and its administration remained available.
The web server and firewall settings complement each other: the first layer filters HTTP requests, while the second limits unnecessary network activity at the VPS level.
Shop-Script Verification
After changing the server configuration, we verified the storefront, catalog, and main online store scenarios in the new PHP 8.2 environment.
This confirmed that the infrastructure optimization did not disrupt the application and that user requests were correctly processed through Nginx and PHP-FPM.
Result
ValbergSafe.rf received a current PHP 8.2 server environment, a configured Nginx and PHP-FPM stack, an optimized database configuration, and organized firewall rules.
Reducing scanning bot activity freed VPS resources for useful requests, while coordinated component settings made Webasyst Shop-Script operation more stable and predictable.