A proxy server is an intermediate server that acts as an intermediary between a client and a target server, processing requests on behalf of the client and transmitting responses back. The proxy server accepts a request from the user, redirects it to the required resource, receives the response and obtains client data.
Operating Principle
When a user sends a request through a proxy server, it masks the real IP address of the client, preserving its size. The target server sees only the proxy address, which provides an additional level of anonymity and security. The proxy can modify, filter or cache traffic passing through it.
Types of Proxy Servers
HTTP proxies are designed for web traffic and operate at the application level. SOCKS proxies function at a lower level and can handle various types of network protocols. Transparent proxies work invisibly to the user, anonymous proxies hide the client’s IP address, elite proxies provide the maximum level of confidentiality.
Areas of Application
Proxy servers are widely used to ensure corporate network security, allowing administrators to control and filter outgoing traffic. They allow overcoming geographical restrictions and censorship, often request cache memory to accelerate loading, balance load between servers and protect against various types of attacks.
Advantages and Limitations
Main advantages include enhanced security and confidentiality, the possibility of traffic savings when caching accounts, centralized access management to resources. However, using a proxy can slow down the connection, create a single point of failure and require additional administration.