Proxy Servers: Types And Applications
As people continue to rely on the ever-changing digital world, there’s also a growing concern about cybersecurity or simply the demand for full access to any website on the internet. One way to reduce risks associated with internet activity or provide full access to the web is to use a proxy server.
This article discusses the basics of proxy servers, including their different types and various applications today. Read on to learn more.
A Brief Definition Of Proxy Servers
Think of a proxy server as an intermediary between you and the webserver. The proxy server receives your request, then sends it to the webserver. The web server processes the request, sends it back to the proxy server, and finally sends it back to you. It’s like requesting a friend to ask another person a question and having them tell you the answer.
Common Types Of Proxy Servers
There are over a dozen proxy types available. Each falls into different categories, such as protocol, access, and anonymity. Here are the most common and well-known proxy servers today:
- Residential Proxy
Residential proxies are considered the most popular and best proxies for most use cases. Unlike most proxy servers, residential proxies use the IP addresses of actual, physical devices like smartphones. Thus, they appear as regular users on all servers and are almost impossible to detect unless you abuse them.
The main advantage of a residential proxy is that it allows users to avoid geographic cloaking, allowing you to access location-restricted websites. For instance, if you want to access websites or services restricted only to those in Ukraine, you’ll need to buy Ukraine proxies or Ukraine-based residential proxies. This way, you can go onto the target website and move around their firewalls.
- Anonymous Proxy
This type of proxy forwards connection requests without any data about the user. As its name implies, an anonymous proxy hides your location and IP address. It means that it connects to the server as if it was doing it on its own.
It does this by modifying your Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP) header and replacing your IP address with its own. Then they add additional forwarding commands to prevent the server from knowing your IP address. Thus, the web server knows that the connection is coming from a proxy server but doesn’t know your IP address.
There’s another anonymous proxy type known as elite anonymous proxies that offers the highest level of anonymity. It modifies your HTTP header, removes any of your data, and doesn’t add any forwarding commands. As a result, the website doesn’t know that it comes from a proxy server and considers it as a general connection.
- Rotating Proxy
A rotating proxy is the type of proxy that changes your IP address. It assigns an IP address from a vast proxy pool for every connection you make. This type of proxy keeps on changing your IP to avoid the risk of getting blocked. For instance, you can launch a script to send 1,000 requests to various websites and get 1,000 different IP addresses.
Most users also use rotating residential proxies. Unlike a regular residential proxy that hides your actual IP address, this hides you behind a pool of proxies. This ensures the connection requests are discreet to the target.
- Socket Secure (SOCKS) Proxy
This internet proxy server routes your traffic via a third-party server using Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) control. When the traffic goes through the server, it gets a brand-new IP address. SOCKS proxies are highly versatile since it allows you to handle several types of traffic such as FTP, emails, and even torrent traffic.
Applications of Proxy Servers
Proxy servers, depending on the type, can be used for several applications. Although one type may be more suitable for specific applications, most proxy types have similar uses. These may include:
- Security
Most proxy servers can be configured to offer secure web connections via encryption. Some proxies can be used to block specific websites, and others are effective at preventing man-in-the-middle (MITM) or Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks.
- Anonymous Browsing
Some proxy types, particularly the anonymous proxy can help users conceal their IP addresses. This allows them to browse the web anonymously. Other proxies, like residential proxies, use a different IP address to hide the user’s identity.
- Web Acceleration
Most proxy servers can help speed up data transfer while conserving bandwidth on a network. This is done by stripping ads from websites, compressing traffic, and caching files and webpages. Cached data decreases the number of web requests from the proxies making data retrieval faster for the user.
- Web Filtering
Some proxy types, like a transparent proxy, restrict people from accessing certain websites. This is suitable for businesses that want to limit employee access to websites. Other proxies can also log user activity and allow users to monitor Internet use.
- Changing Geo-Location
Using proxy servers is one of the easiest ways to hide your geo-location. As mentioned, proxies change your IP address, which hides your location. Proxies, like residential or rotating proxies, can be used for digital marketing activities where data is reliant on geo-location, such as web scraping, price aggregation, SEO, and market research.
Take Away
As discussed in this article, there are various types of proxy servers and applications. You have several options to choose from, and there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. But, regardless of the numerous types and categories, the main purpose of a proxy server is to help provide you with the needed anonymity and security while browsing the web.
