A proxy serves as a middleman between a client (e.g., your computer or browser) and a server (e.g., a website you want to visit). Imagine a messenger delivering your message. The proxy retrieves and returns what you request from the originating source.
The phrase “proxy server” comes from “proxy”, meaning someone or something that acts as an agent, representative, or substitute for another. Proxy servers “go-between” clients (users’ PCs) and other servers (like websites) in computer networks.
How it works
You don’t reach a website or online service directly when you utilize a proxy. It goes to the proxy server first. The proxy server sends the request to the destination server, frequently using its own IP address. The proxy sends data to your device after the destination server answers.
Why use a proxy?
People and organizations use proxies for several reasons, including:
- Enhanced Security: Proxies can act as a firewall, filtering out potentially malicious traffic or blocking access to dangerous websites before they reach your internal network.
- Privacy and Anonymity: Proxies can mask your actual IP address by using their own, making it harder for websites and third parties to track your online activities or identify your location.
- Access Control and Monitoring: Organizations use proxies to control and monitor employee or student internet usage, enforcing acceptable use policies and blocking access to distracting or inappropriate websites.
- Performance Improvement: Caching proxies can store copies of frequently accessed web pages or files, reducing bandwidth usage and accelerating load times for subsequent requests.
- Bypassing Restrictions: Proxies can be used to bypass geographical restrictions on content or services, allowing you to access content that might otherwise be blocked in your region.
Types of proxies
There are different types of proxies designed for specific purposes:
- Forward Proxies: Sit in front of clients, routing requests to external websites and services, as explained by Palo Alto Networks.
- Reverse Proxies: Positioned in front of web servers, they manage incoming traffic, enhancing security, load balancing, and performance.
- Anonymous Proxies: Focus on hiding your IP address and making your online activity untraceable.
- Transparent Proxies: While they act as an intermediary, they don’t hide your IP address and may be used for content filtering or performance optimization.
- Residential Proxies: Use IP addresses assigned by Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to real devices, making them appear like regular internet users.
- Datacenter Proxies: Hosted in data centers, they are fast and cost-effective, but more easily detectable by websites with anti-bot measures.
- SOCKS Proxies: More flexible than HTTP proxies, supporting various types of traffic, including streaming and gaming