A proxy server is an additional layer between the user and the site that provides user security and restricts access to identifying information: IP address, geolocation, operating system data, and more. It is a device that contains proxy IP addresses to hide real IP addresses.
How a proxy server works
When a proxy server works, the computer first establishes a connection to the proxy server and then sends a request to connect to a website. The proxy server replaces the client’s data with its own and then sends the request to the website. The resulting response is displayed to the user. This makes it more difficult for third parties to track users.
Types of proxy servers
- Public or open. Provided free of charge to multiple users at the same time. The disadvantages of this type include low speed, and low reliability.
- Private or private A faster and more secure type of proxy server. It can be dedicated and shared. Companies that provide private proxies may offer additional customer support.
- Transparent. Allows connection without additional configuration and directs traffic from the client port to the proxy server port using static routes on the device or router.
- HTTP Proxy. Works as an intermediary between the client and the web server. When a request is sent, it is sent to the proxy server as text. After analyzing the text, a new request is sent to the website, in response to which the website sends a response. This response is forwarded to the user.
- Proxy using SSL. It is distinguished by one TCP connection instead of two and can be used to access resources of both HTTPS and HTTP servers.
What tasks a proxy server solves
- Filtering available resources and closing access to certain websites, for example, social networks at the workplace.
- Increasing the speed of the Internet. Sites are loaded from the cache on the proxy server.
- Blocking requests from potentially malicious sites.
- SEO monitoring to bypass search engine filters.