A proxy server is a traffic rerouting system that replaces original user IPs with alternative IPs issued by ISPs (Internet Server Providers) based abroad. Read on to learn how proxy servers function and what are the types and purposes of these servers.
How Do Proxy Servers Work?
All computers and mobile devices have a unique IP, which is the same as the unique address of your house. The IP tells search engines and websites what information should be displayed to you regarding your:
location;
language;
currencies;
time.
When the outcoming data from your device reaches a proxy server, all the listed parameters are automatically substituted by replacing your initial IP with an IP issued in the country you want to browse from.
This is very useful when you need to see unique regional information in search engines and websites or to bypass location-based content limitations. For example, if you want to compare Amazon prices in the US and the UK, you need to connect via a proxy server in UK to view the local prices on the same items. In the case of Amazon, it’s also a good way to check out product availability in different countries.
Common Proxy Server Uses
Here are the reasons why individuals and companies use proxy servers:
Internet usage control – both parents and businesses can use proxies to limit access to unwanted websites for children and employees. Besides, proxies can log all the outcoming HTTP requests on the network for future analysis.
Bandwidth volume and speed control – proxy servers can be used to optimize bandwidth usage by providing multiple users who use the same websites with the same cached copy of that website ins
Privacy & security improvement – a proxy makes it impossible for hackers to use your real IP to break into your home network.
Regional blocking bypassing – location-specific content blocked in your region will become accessible when you enable a proxy.
Proxy Server Types
Proxy servers can be adjusted to serve different purposes. Here are the main types:
Forward – this proxy type is mostly used for internal corporate networks to create a unified online entry point with simplified administrative control and reduced bandwidth consumption.
Transparent – this is an alternative for forward proxies that allows companies to enable proxies without making employees aware they are browsing via a proxy.
Anonymous – as the name suggests, this proxy type hides user IP and device information, which is a good way to stay anonymous while browsing.
High-anonymity – this is an improved type of anonymous proxies that erases your data from web requests before letting you access websites.
Public proxies – a slow but free type of proxies for anonymous browsing.
Residential proxies – usually the most expensive but also the most secure type that connects your device to the web via a real permanent IP address issued by a real provider abroad.
Rotating proxies – a great option for web scraping as it gives you a new unique IP every time you connect to the proxy server.
Choose Your Option
Now that you are aware of how proxy servers work and what the common server types are, you can choose an option that works best for your personal or business purposes. Tell us what type you chose in the comments and share this guide with colleagues!