What is Proxy

With the advent of firewalls, anonymizing services, the Tor application, various methods of encrypting an IP address and increasing speed, the proxy server has gained enormous popularity. Using a proxy, many clients do not even think about its real capabilities.

Today we will take a closer look at what a proxy server means and how to work with it. We will also explore the common types of proxies and the features of their choice.

How a proxy server works

From the Latin proxy is translated as "substitute". This is the network interface through which the connection between devices is made.

There are two main types of proxies: those that work locally on the network and those provided by the provider. The first type is useful for large companies, in particular for fast data transfer over corporate lines.

Proxies with a local work type serve as a cache and guarantee the prompt delivery of web content. In turn, the server from the provider is suitable for daily use: it speeds up network access and ensures the anonymity of the client. The service from the provider offers high download speeds, maximum protection and quick setup.

The main purpose of all proxies is to accept a client request from a server and redirect traffic to an end device with a specific IP ID.

Thus, there is no direct connection between the computer and the site. Sometimes the user and the target device are not even aware of the work of the intermediary. Receiving information, the server sends it to the recipient. Thanks to this, communication between devices is established, even if they are incompatible.

Proxy connections are implemented in several ways: a native proxy protects the user's network from negative network influences. If the target device requires protection from an upstream server, this is considered a reverse proxy.

In addition, the anonymizer filters data and redirects it. It can be connected in such a way as to provide hidden web surfing.

Proxy server types are defined as follows:

Direct - Default servers that act as an intermediary between the device and the Internet.

Reverse - an intermediate link between the main network and several devices (for example, in a company).

Open - public servers to which each user has access. They often work for free and offer many options.

Why use a proxy

First of all, the target client of the anonymizer service is a private user, since proxies offer privacy and security.

Today, many resources and services actively collect private information. We are talking about general data (behavioral factors) and specific information (user hobbies, search statistics). That is why the privacy issue is gaining momentum.

Protection of personal data

This is one of the main advantages of proxy servers: the use of an anonymizer hides the real IP address of the user from the web resource. As a result, the site registers the IP identifier of the anonymizer service, and the user can feel safe in the online space.

It is always worth remembering that the online ID knows a lot about you, such as your current location. Experienced attackers on the network can even determine your provider, postal code and street of residence.

Gaining access to restricted or blocked content based on geographic location

Most of the content is hidden due to local restrictions - in particular network rules and copyrights. The proxy hides the real address, so web resources are unable to restrict access to it due to location.

For example, an anonymizer allows you to connect to television and YouTube video hosting outside of Ukraine. It can also be used to bypass various blockages.

Speed up content loading

Proxy servers cache data, and this has a good effect on download speed. By accessing resources through an anonymizer, you save content for future use. When requested, a cached (copied) web page renders much faster.

It is worth remembering that this only happens when the proxy already has pages requested in the local cache. Otherwise, the server downloads data directly from the network, thereby increasing the download time.

Malicious resource filtering

Another important advantage is the prohibition of access to potentially dangerous sites. The proxy administrator can independently blacklist specific resources, protecting the device from third-party infection and access to personal information.

There are malware that can infect not only a computer, but also the server itself. Ethos is something to think about when the service warns about the dubiousness of a particular site.

What is a proxy server used for?

Almost all such services act as an intermediary between the user and the third-party service that is being logged on. The server accepts the user's request and executes it.

Let's take an example. Suppose you need a proxy to visit a specific site. Anonymizer receives your request and performs a certain action:

First, the local cache is examined to determine if the required resource is available. If it is found, the service opens access to it without sending data to the global network.

If the service cannot find the resource in the cache, its search is moved to the Internet. In this case, the personal IP-identifier is replaced by the official address of the anonymizer. The page is associated with the original request, and the data is redirected to the client.

Such a server is used in several directions - caching, bandwidth management, filtering and protection.

Data redirected through a proxy is additionally filtered, exchanged between devices and distributed to other servers. Also, the anonymizer becomes the main part of the firewall that protects the computer from cyber attacks.

Differences between an anonymous proxy and a standard one

Regular proxy

When surfing the web, the request is sent to the target server where it is processed. As a result, you will quickly receive the requested information from this server containing, for example, the required website.

In order for the data to get to an external device, by default you transmit a personal address at the same time as the necessary request.

Anonymous proxy

This is a great way to surf the web without leaving a trace. The proxy hides the real address.

If the device interacts with the site through an anonymous proxy, the owner of the Internet resource determines the IP address of the server, but not your computer.

The network contains lists of open proxies of different quality. In most cases, they only cache webpage views and online content, which is suitable for limited resources. Unlike many VPNs, the proxy works for free and without software installation.

Anonymous proxies speed up traffic and encrypt the IP address, but only paid VPN providers provide real anonymity.

Potential errors and problems

When intentionally using an anonymizer, connection errors are tracked for a number of reasons.

Server overload: Public proxies available to all Internet users are used to visit sites anonymously and bypass geoblocks. If your need exceeds the capacity of the server, overload failures occur. Then the browser notifies about the corresponding problem. The user needs to wait or contact another service.

Disabling the server: if it is completely removed from the network, the server will not offer anonymizers. There are several reasons for this - technical problems or the ruin of the provider. Then clients will be forced to look for another proxy server or use the network without it.

Change of IP address: if the personal address of the anonymizer has changed, network errors may occur. There is a quick solution to this problem - find the server address and adjust the configuration in the operating system or browser you are using.

The connection data was transmitted incorrectly: one of the most popular errors is incorrect proxy server settings.

Before contacting a service provider or looking for another anonymizer, you need to make sure that there are no errors in the addresses and port numbers in the settings.

What to look for when choosing a proxy

Using an anonymizer, you do a lot to protect your data online. But that's not all - your address may be determined by third parties.

You need to be very careful when choosing a provider, because the owner of the proxy can track your actions when accessing data via HTTP. In some cases, the administrator blocks safe resources without explaining the reason.

Sometimes providers limit the speed of traffic processing through a proxy. If you notice this, it's worth checking your internet download speed.

Often, service administrators use “transparent” proxies that are capable of transmitting information about your IP address to a website through special software. Such servers can be used exclusively for high download speeds, without relying on network masquerading.

The main disadvantage is that 80% of public services do not work with the HTTPS protocol, as a result of which your data is poorly protected from intruders. Experienced cybercriminals change the HTML markup, using third-party code to broadcast ads to clients.

It is worth giving preference to private proxies of reliable providers. They provide decent protection through the use of a VPN.

If you're not sure if you need a VPN instead of a proxy, note the following: A VPN has the same benefits as a proxy and uses strong ciphers. This will increase the protection of your personal information and ensure safe web surfing.