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What is a proxy server and how does it work?
What is a proxy server and how does it work?
In today's digital world, issues of anonymity and security are more pressing than ever. If you've ever wondered what a proxy server is or how proxies work, this article is for you. We'll break down everything from the simple definition to complex technical nuances.
What is a proxy server?
A proxy server is an intermediary (middleman) between your device and the internet. When you enter a website address in your browser, the request does not go directly to the resource but first to the proxy.
A simple definition of a proxy server: it's a computer on a network that makes requests on your behalf. As a result, the target website sees not your real IP but the IP address of the proxy server.
Main functions of a proxy server:
Hiding your real location.
Bypassing geographic restrictions.
Filtering incoming and outgoing traffic.
Speeding up access to resources through data caching.
How does a proxy server work?
To understand how a proxy works, imagine a courier. Instead of going to the store yourself, you give the shopping list to a courier. The store sees the courier and gives him the goods, and the courier brings them to you. The store doesn't know who specifically ordered those products.
In computer networks, this process looks like this:
You send a request to a website.
The request is intercepted by the proxy server.
The proxy replaces your IP with its own.
The proxy sends the request to the website.
The website sends the data back to the proxy server.
The proxy forwards this data to you.
This is how an internet proxy connection is established, protecting your privacy.
Types of proxy servers
There are many classifications, and it's important to understand which type suits your tasks.
By IP address origin
Residential proxies: These are IP addresses provided by real internet service providers to home users. They look like ordinary visitors, making them extremely difficult to block.
Datacenter proxies: Created on servers of large cloud companies. They are very fast and cheap, but easier to detect.
By access level
Private proxy server: Accessible to only one user. This guarantees maximum speed and security.
Shared proxies: One address is used by several people. This is cheaper, but there is a risk of the "bad neighbor effect" (if one user violates a site's rules, everyone gets blocked).
By protocol
HTTP proxies: Designed to work with web pages.
SOCKS5: A more advanced protocol suitable for any type of traffic, including games, video calls, and torrents.
Comparison of proxy types
Proxy Type | Speed | Anonymity | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
Residential | Medium | High | High |
Datacenter | Very high | Medium | Low |
Mobile | Depends on network | Maximum | Very high |
What are proxies used for?
The use of proxy servers goes far beyond simple web browsing.
For business
Web scraping: Collecting data from competitors' websites without the risk of being blocked.
Ad verification: Companies check how their ads are displayed in different countries.
Social media management: Marketers use proxies to manage multiple accounts (multi-accounting).
For personal use
Privacy: Hiding your activity from your ISP or advertisers.
Access to content: The ability to watch movies or use services that are not officially launched in your country.
Difference between VPN and proxy
Many people confuse these concepts because both tools hide your IP. However, there are key differences:
VPN: Encrypts all traffic from your device at the operating system level. This is more secure but slower.
Proxy: Typically works at the level of a specific application (e.g., a browser). A proxy is faster and ideally suited for automated tasks (parsing) where you need to change hundreds of IPs per minute.
Can you use free proxies?
Although public proxy servers seem tempting, they carry huge risks. The owner of a free proxy can intercept your passwords, card details, and browsing history. For serious tasks, it's always recommended to use paid solutions from trusted providers (e.g., ProxyUniverse).
Summary
We've covered what a proxy means and its main functions in network technologies. Whether you need a proxy for data scraping or to enhance personal anonymity, understanding the types and mechanisms of how they work will help you choose the right tool.
