In short: Disk space is stored data; bandwidth is data transferred over the network. They measure different things and may have separate allowances in a hosting plan.
Disk space
Disk space is used by website files, databases, mailboxes, logs, temporary files and backups stored inside the account. A site can use very little traffic but still fill its disk allocation with old backups or email.
Bandwidth
Bandwidth usage is the volume of data transferred to and from the service during a billing period. Page views, downloads, uploads, email and automated traffic can all contribute. It is similar to a mobile-data allowance, not the amount of storage on the device.
| Example | Main resource affected |
|---|---|
| Uploading a 2 GB backup and leaving it on the account | Disk space, plus transfer during the upload |
| Many visitors downloading a large file | Bandwidth |
| A mailbox retaining years of attachments | Disk space |
| Search engines or bots repeatedly loading pages | Bandwidth and server resources |
If usage is high
- Check SiteWorx usage reports and identify the domain, mailbox or file involved.
- Remove obsolete data only after taking any required backup.
- Optimise images and large downloads, and review caching.
- Investigate unusual traffic rather than assuming every spike is genuine visitors.
What happens when a limit is reached
A full disk allocation can prevent uploads, database writes, logs and email delivery. A bandwidth or resource limit may make a site unavailable or slow until usage falls, the billing period changes or the plan is adjusted.
Check the SiteWorx usage figures and identify the source before deleting anything. If the demand is legitimate and continuing, open a Sales ticket with the service name, current usage and expected growth so we can recommend an appropriate upgrade. If usage increased unexpectedly, investigate bots, compromised applications, large downloads, retained mail and obsolete backups first.
