What is a proxy server and what can it be used for? If you are curious about these questions, then you should read this post carefully because MiniTool has given you a full introduction to the proxy server. And you can know why you should use a proxy server.
What Is a Proxy Server?
What is a proxy server? In computer networking, a proxy server is a server application or device that can act as an intermediary to request requests from clients who seek resources from the servers that provide these resources. Therefore, the proxy server runs on behalf of the client when requesting services, which may obscure the true source of the request to the resource server.
The function of modern proxy servers is far more than forwarding web requests, but only in the name of data security and network performance. The proxy server acts as a firewall and web filter, provides shared network connections, and caches data to speed up common requests. A good proxy server can protect users and internal networks from the harmful effects that exist on the wild Internet. Finally, proxy servers can provide a high degree of privacy.
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How Does a Proxy Server Work?
A unique Internet Protocol (IP) address is needed for every computer on the Internet because the Internet knows how to send the correct data to the correct computer through the IP address.
A proxy server is a computer on the Internet with its IP address that your computer knows. When you send a network request, your request will first go to the proxy server. Then, the proxy server makes a web request on your behalf, collects the response from the webserver, and then forwards the web page data to you so that you can view the page in your browser.
When the proxy server forwards your web request, it can change the data you send and still provide you with the information you want to view. The proxy server can change your IP address, so the webserver cannot know exactly where you are. It can encrypt your data, so your data is not readable in transit. Finally, the proxy server can block access to certain web pages based on the IP address.
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Types of Proxy Servers
There are several types of proxy servers that work in different ways. Now let’s get some information about them.
Transparent Proxy
Although the transparent proxy tells the website that it is a proxy server, it will still pass your IP address to identify you to the webserver. The transparent proxy is easy to set up on the client and server, so businesses, public libraries, and schools usually use it for content filtering.
Anonymous Proxy
An anonymous proxy identifies itself as a proxy, but does not pass your IP address to the website – this helps prevent identity theft and keep your browsing habits private. It can also prevent websites from providing you with targeted marketing content based on your location. Anonymous browsing will prevent websites from using certain ad targeting technologies, but this is not a 100% guarantee.
Distorting Proxy
A distorting proxy server will pass the false IP address while identifying the proxy for itself. This has a similar purpose to an anonymous proxy, but by passing the false IP address, you appear to be from another location to avoid content restrictions.
High Anonymity Proxy
High anonymity proxy servers periodically change the IP addresses they provide to web servers, so it is difficult to track which traffic belongs to whom. High anonymity proxies, such as the TOR Network, are the most private and safe way to read the Internet.
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Bottom Line
After reading this post, you should know what the proxy server is and how it works. What’s more, you can also know four different types of proxy servers.