What is a Proxy Server and How Does it Work?
A proxy server acts as an intermediary between users and the internet, providing anonymity by hiding IP addresses and routing requests. Learn about types like web proxies, network proxies, and internet proxies, as well as proxy settings and uses in networking. Discover how proxies enhance security and enable anonymous access online.
A proxy server, or simply proxy, acts as an intermediary between users and Internet resources. Instead of connecting directly to the desired site, users interact with a proxy server, which forwards data to the site and returns it back to the browser.
The English word “proxy” means “representative,” which accurately reflects its role: a proxy server intercepts traffic and serves as an intermediary between the user and the site, hiding the user's data.
It can be compared to the workings of a post office. When we send a letter, we don't put it directly into the recipient's mailbox, we first take it to the post office. The postal service then delivers our message to the recipient and later brings us a reply. The difference is that in traditional mail we see the sender's name on the envelope, while a proxy only transmits its own information, since it is the proxy that connects to the website on behalf of the user.
Why do I need a proxy server?
When we go online, information about us starts to accumulate: type of device, browser, IP address, sites visited and actions performed. That's why, after searching once for apartment prices, we end up seeing real estate listings everywhere.
This is not as sinister as it seems. Based on the collected data, services give us recommendations for interesting movies, targeted ads pop up, and browsers save the search history. But sometimes anonymity trumps convenience.
A proxy server is a tool that receives user data and transmits it under its own name. In English, “proxy server” translates to “intermediary.” It changes your IP address to its own, thus protecting you from being tracked on the Internet.
What Can You Accomplish With Proxies?
Bypass restrictions;
Create multiple accounts on gaming and other platforms;
Get price quotes from neighboring regions and more.
Top-tier paid servers provide optimal anonymity. Free ones carry big risks: many of them don't protect your data and may even sell it to interested parties. At best, you'll encounter intrusive ads based on recent search queries, and at worst, private information and passwords will be leaked. You can connect via proxy server from any device: desktop, laptop, or smartphone. The settings are configured through the Wi-Fi network menu. Online instructions are easy to find, and here we will tell you what a proxy server is, and what its capabilities and advantages for business are. Essentially, it's a powerful tool for managing marketing campaigns and getting feedback from customers.
There are pitfalls: popular proxy server addresses are blacklisted and blocked. Therefore, in order to maintain access, you should use lesser-known services or periodically change proxy addresses. Or you can “raise” the server yourself, but it is more complicated and not always justified.
Hiding information about the device. This use case is related to the previous one: usually information about yourself is hidden to bypass blocking. But this is not the only reason. A person may not want to inform the site that he visited it from a certain IP, for example, so that he is not “caught” by advertising.
The second option is when a person doubts the reliability of the site and wants to protect his data with the help of a proxy. However, this method is not the most reliable - we will talk about it in more detail below.
Blocking and tracking. With the help of proxies, you can not only bypass blocking, but also restrict access to the resource.
Companies usually do this: for example, they prescribe a rule in the corporate proxy not to allow traffic to social networks. This is done to ensure confidentiality, prevent data leakage, and control employees. In this case, the proxy acts as a kind of firewall. In addition, companies can use corporate proxies to monitor traffic and check how and why employees use the Internet.
Acceleration and caching. In fact, it is not uncommon to use proxy servers, especially free ones, to slow down the Internet. But there are exceptions. Some proxy servers are specifically designed to speed up network access. They use one of two technologies to do this:
Traffic compression - the proxy server trims and optimizes content that weighs a lot, such as advertising. As a result, traffic is reduced and the Internet speeds up;
Caching - the proxy server stores copies of pages in its own cache and provides access to them from there. Access from the cache is faster, and a copy of the page can be viewed even if the original has been deleted. Over time, the copy will also be deleted, but not immediately.
Such technologies to speed up pages are used, for example, by browsers and search engines. Turbo mode and the ability to open a copy of a page through a search string are examples of implementation. Professional tasks. For example, proxy servers can be used during testing to check the system's operation with IP addresses from different countries.
How to Set Up a Proxy
Setting up a proxy is usually pretty straightforward. Here's an example for the Google Chrome browser:
1. Open the browser settings.
2. Find the "System" or "Advanced" section.
3. Click on "Open proxy settings".
4. In the window that opens, select "Use a proxy server".
5. Enter the address and port of your proxy and click "OK".
Now all your requests will go through the specified proxy.
Types of Proxies
Proxies differ in characteristics and purpose. Let's consider their main varieties:
Transparent, anonymous and distorting:
Transparent proxies pass all information about the user and do not change their data, so they are not suitable for bypassing blocking. They are most often used to increase the speed of work.
Anonymous proxies, although they do not disclose information about the user, still report that they are proxy servers.
Distorting proxies provide sites with false information about the user's IP address.
So-called elite proxies, in addition to hiding the user's data, also disguise themselves as regular connections to avoid being blacklisted by sites.
Server, residential and mobile
Server proxies are located in data centers and belong to the respective services, for example, anonymizers. They are relatively inexpensive, but due to their popularity they often fall into blacklists.
Residential proxies are located at the Internet service provider and look like a regular user IP address to sites. They are more expensive, but are considered more reliable and have more functionality.
Mobile proxies are similar to residential proxies, but are located at cellular operators. Thus, they simulate mobile Internet traffic. They are mainly used for SMM and testing mobile applications.
Public and private:
Public proxies (open) are available to all users without the need to register. They are free and easy to use, but have a number of disadvantages: low security, high probability of data leakage, slow operation.
Private proxy services are available only to registered users. As a rule, they are paid, but offer a high level of security and stable operation, as the owners are interested in preserving their reputation.
These differences are important for choosing the right type of proxy depending on the specific requirements and tasks.
There are different types of proxy servers, each with its own characteristics and purpose. Among the main types of proxies are the following:
1. Surrogates (design patterns):
Caching proxy: temporarily stores the results of calculations for several clients, allowing these results to be shared.
Firewall proxy: protects the subject from dangerous clients or vice versa.
Synchronizing proxy: controls synchronous access to the subject in a multithreaded environment.
Smart link: performs additional actions when creating a link to a subject, such as counting active links.
2. Internet censorship:
Proxy servers can provide access to a redirection system for local network users.
3. Proxy types:
Forward proxies: redirect client requests to any servers on the Internet and return the result.
Transparent proxy: traffic is redirected to the proxy implicitly, without additional configuration on the client side.
Reverse proxies: relay client requests from an external network to one or more servers logically located on an internal network.
4. Classification by availability:
Public proxies are available to all subnet users without authentication.
Private proxies are provided only to certain users, often after authorization.
What Is The Difference Between VPN and a Proxy Server?
The main difference between a VPN and a proxy server is that these are two different technologies, each designed to address security issues.
A VPN is a virtual private network, while a proxy is an application protocol. Their principles of operation also differ. A VPN operates at the network (channel) level, creating a direct connection without intermediaries. It is useful when you connect to an untrusted network, such as public Wi-Fi, as it encrypts your data, protecting it from interception. A VPN not only provides secure access to your Internet account, but also protects your device from viruses.
Protocols:
A protocol is a way of exchanging data, a “language” in which devices “communicate” with each other. The more protocols a service supports, the lower the risk of failures.
The most reliable protocols today are SOCKS 4 for non-anonymous data transfer, SOCKS 5 for private data transfer and Shadowsocks. A simpler option is HTTPS, which is supported by most sites. Outdated solutions: FTP and HTTP.
Some skillful people “raise” their own proxy servers. This requires expenses: it is desirable to “spin” the server on a separate computer. If you wish to dive into this topic, remember that with the card “Halva” appliances and accessories can be bought in installments or with a nice cashback.
Internet security:
VPN has an algorithm that encrypts data up to 256 bits. This means that the key is made of 256 binaries (zeros to ones), and there is a 2 to 256th degree range of combinations. This way it will be very difficult for hackers to crack the key and access the user's personal information. Proxy too is able to already normal level of security. The main thing is that it does not have the option to hide the client IP address for sites. If this option is not present, then you need to add a VPN to your browser to check the security level.
When choosing a proxy server, it is important to consider a few key factors to ensure that the proxy you choose meets your requirements and will provide the necessary security and efficiency.
Here are some tips:
1. Define the purpose of use
Before you start looking for a proxy, clearly state what you need it for. Different types of proxies are designed for different purposes:
Anonymity: Hiding your IP address and protecting your personal data.
Blocking: Accessing blocked sites or regions.
Load acceleration: Use caching to reduce response time.
Corporate Security: Restrict employee access to specific sites.
2. Choose the right type of proxy
There are several types of proxy servers, each suitable for specific scenarios:
HTTP/HTTPS proxies: Ideal for web browsers and standard Internet applications.
SOCKS proxies: A versatile option that supports a variety of applications and protocols.
Resident Proxies (ISPs): Real IP addresses that provide high reliability and low probability of blocking.
Mobile proxies: Useful for simulating mobile traffic, such as testing mobile applications.
Data-center proxies: Often used to automate tasks, but can be easily blocked.
3. Check proxy availability and quality
Before buying or using a proxy, be sure to check its availability and stability:
Use specialized services to check ping and proxy speed.
Find out how often IP addresses are updated at the chosen provider.
Pay attention to reviews and ratings of proxy service providers.
4. Evaluate the reputation of the provider
The reliability and reputation of the proxy provider is of utmost importance. Avoid free or dubious services as they may pose a security risk. It is better to choose a well-known and trusted provider with positive reviews.
5. Pay attention to support and service
A good proxy provider offers quality tech support and prompt resolution of problems that arise. Make sure that the service has 24/7 support and convenient communication channels.
6. Consider the cost and terms of subscription
The cost of proxies varies depending on the type, number of IP addresses and other parameters. Compare offers from different providers and choose the best option, taking into account your needs and budget.
7. Regularly update your proxy list
To prevent blocking, it is recommended to regularly update the proxies you use. Some vendors offer automatic updating of IP addresses, which simplifies the process.
8. Security
Make sure that the selected proxy supports modern data encryption methods such as SSL/TLS. This is especially important if you are working with sensitive information.
9. Test before use
Always test a proxy before active use. Visit sites that should be accessible through the proxy and check if your IP address has changed using special services.
Following these tips will help you choose a reliable and efficient proxy server that will meet your requirements and provide the necessary level of security and performance.
A proxy is a powerful tool that can greatly enhance your online experience, providing both security and convenience. Choosing and configuring the right proxy will allow you to maximize its benefits.
Note: We'd like to remind you that the product is used to automate testing on your own websites and on websites to which you have legal access.