MAx Web Server (BETA): NGINX-Based Apache Replacement for Faster WordPress Hosting

MAx Web Server (BETA) is a drop-in NGINX-based replacement for Apache, delivering up to 35x faster WordPress hosting while maintaining full compatibility with .htaccess files and cPanel.

Key Features

• Performance Boost – Significantly faster than Apache, fine-tuned for AccelerateWP.
• Integrated Security – Fully compatible with Imunify360, including support for Web Application Firewall (WAF).
• Available at No Cost – MAx Web Server is free with CloudLinux OS
• Support of MOD_LSAPI and PHP-FPM

Known Issues & Restrictions

AccelerateWP Version Updates

• Old versions of AccelerateWP should be upgraded for better cache handling and performance.

Conversion Limitations

• Conversion time depends on the number of sites on the server. Large servers may experience delays.
• Automatic Proxy Mode – .htaccess directives are automatically forwarded to Apache for compatibility.

cPanel Port Protection

• cPanel port protection is missing in the current version.
  Workarounds:
• — Whitelist admin IP (Note: If already greylisted, login via SSH may not be possible). Use cPanel service subdomains (e.g., whm. instead of :2087).
• — Whitelist admin IP (Note: If already greylisted, login via SSH may not be possible).
• — Use cPanel service subdomains (e.g., whm. instead of :2087).

Account Conversion Errors

• New accounts or handler changes may result in conversion errors and be switched to proxy_pass mode.
  Workaround: Re-trigger conversion after a few seconds.

.htaccess Modification Delays

• Changes to .htaccess files may take up to 90 seconds to reflect in the browser. Work is ongoing to reduce this delay.

Visit the page for the complete list of known issues: https://cloudlinux.slite.page/p/5SC7T_zvOoSbhQ/MAx-WebServer-known-issues

MAx Web Server continues to evolve, delivering best-in-class performance, security, and compatibility for hosting providers. Stay tuned for further updates.

How to install and set up

Please follow the next instruction: https://docs.cloudlinux.com/cloudlinuxos/max_webserver/

Continuous Development and Updates

The project is in the permanent development mode and the new updates will be every week. All known issues will be processed first. 

A special thanks to Luke Thompson from The Network Crew Pty Ltd for his active assistance in product testing and for providing multiple platforms for over a year. Check out their website: https://tnc.works/