please recommend a VPS provider that is closest to IB server in Chicago. I tested with Microsoft Azure in northeast US. Its ping to cdc1.ibllc.com is on average 3 ms. Do you know another provider that can be faster? Thanks.
Ask www.speedytradingservers.com they claim 1ms in Chicago to cme. you used to be able to get a 2u rack space in the interactive brokers data centre for $2000 a month, contact IB. That was in conneticut.
If www.speedytradingservers.com are too expensive then google Chicago vps. You can get a dedicated server for less than a vps at speedytradingservers from www.chicagovps.net
If 3ms isn't enough for you, why are you with IB? You can put racing wheels on an old Jeep Cherokee but you'll still lose the race.
http://www.theomne.net/virtual-private-servers/ Vps in aurora Illinois. Is this the same data centre as cme? https://www.bloomberg.com/news/feat...andoff-over-two-high-frequency-trading-towers This article suggests that there is a fibre ring in aurora linking the cme to other data centres.
Can search for "Chicago" here http://www.webhostingtalk.com/forumdisplay.php?f=103 Or search the "Offers Page" here http://www.webhostingtalk.com/forumdisplay.php?f=104 I used this VPS for years https://www.fluidhosting.com/vps.php but it won't be a good fit for you because it's not in Chicago. But for comparison i mention it. You can surely get some good info at WHT forum. Or better yet ... http://www.webhostingtalk.com/search.php?searchid=13795340 is a search for "Chicago" in the topic of offers. You can then search the companies offering at the first link in this post and read comments from users who have used them.
I previously used Vultr, but felt insecure or hacked due to some surprises. Now Azure gives me a sense of safety. One Azure technical support person says without username and password, he cannot peek into. Hope you can also recommend some secure ones.
Both VPS and Dedicated servers are segmented into managed or unmanaged categories. Managed is where their tech team provides tech support. I'm not tech savvy enough to comment as to if https would help you any (wouldn't think so) if you just use your server for trading. My experience is limited to using servers to power websites. It's unclear to me exactly what you are exposing on the server. If it has your brokerage username / password, then just assume the worst and do your due diligence in seeking a provider others trust for like services. Not a comfort, Tech support for servers can be from any corner of the planet. If you buy unmanaged, it's doubtful the seller will have a desire to poke into what you are doing unless you request help. Of course, that's probably true for managed as well. Reviews are all over the place, even with the best providers, you are bound to find a few unhappy campers. Even so reviews are a good indicator of overall service.