Everyone should know about proxy servers, but do you know how many types of proxy servers there are? What are the differences between each type of proxy server? How to choose a proxy server that suits you? This article will give you a detailed answer, so don’t miss it.
What is a proxy server?
A proxy server is an application that acts as an intermediary between a user requesting content and the server that provides the content they are searching for. It is a server between the user and the web page they want to browse.
A proxy server is basically a computer on the Internet that is equipped with its own IP address. Instead of connecting directly to the target website, the user sends the request to the proxy server, which evaluates the request and then completes it.
Proxies serve as a way to simplify or manage complex requests and provide an additional layer of security, privacy, and structure to the encapsulation. Proxy servers have the potential to hide the true identity of the requester from the resource server.
Why use proxy server?
Proxies provide an extra layer of security for your computer and can be set up as a network filter or firewall to help protect your computer from malware threats.
When enabled with a secure gateway or other email security software, enhanced traffic filtering can be enabled depending on the security level and restrictions of the network or computer.
Individuals can use proxies for personal purposes, such as masking their location. When organizations implement proxies, they can be set up to:
Enhance security
Improve privacy of employee internet browsing
Balance internet traffic to prevent computer program failures
Manage site access for employees in a work environment
Reduce bandwidth (the maximum rate of data transfer over a given path) by caching files or compressing traffic
Other uses for proxies include:
Content filtering
Encrypted data filtering
Bypass filters
Logging and monitoring
Improve performance (with caching proxies)
Translations
Fix errors
Geo-targeted ads (served by advertisers)
Cross-domain resources
Proxy Server Types
Proxy Types Based on Anonymity Level:
In some cases, anonymity is a key factor when choosing a proxy, as different types of proxies offer different levels of identity protection.
1. Transparent Proxy
Transparent proxies do not attempt to hide your real IP address and clearly inform the destination server that a proxy is being used.
2. Elite Proxy
Elite proxies offer the highest level of anonymity by removing all proxy-related headers. They make requests look like they are coming from a real person, with no intermediary server involved.
Proxies Based on Traffic Flow:
Proxies are categorized based on how they handle traffic and where they are during the communication process.
1. Forward Proxy
A forward proxy runs on the client side, allowing you to connect to external websites through an intermediary server. This type is often used for privacy, bypassing geographic restrictions, and accessing blocked content.
2. Reverse Proxy
A reverse proxy sits in front of a web server and manages incoming traffic before it reaches its destination.
Types of proxies based on IP address location:
The source of the IP address determines the classification of proxies, as some types are more resistant to detection and blocking than others.
Residential proxies use IP addresses assigned to real users by Internet Service Providers (ISPs). These IPs are associated with a physical location, making them indistinguishable from regular Internet users.
2. Datacenter proxies
Datacenter proxies are hosted in cloud data centers and provided by third-party server providers rather than ISPs. Unlike residential proxies, these IP addresses do not belong to real users but are instead generated in bulk by the hosting company.
3. Mobile proxies
Mobile proxies are assigned IP addresses over cellular networks, making them virtually impossible to detect or block.
4. ISP proxies
ISP proxies, or static residential proxies, combine datacenter speeds with residential legitimacy. They are addresses assigned to Internet Service Providers but located in datacenters, and as such, they are well suited for tasks that require both speed and trustworthiness, such as managing multiple online accounts.
Types of proxies based on protocols or applications:
Proxies also differ in the network protocols they support, which makes them better suited for specific tasks.
1.SOCKS Proxy
SOCKS proxies support various types of traffic, including streaming, gaming, and peer-to-peer connections. The latest version of SOCKS5 provides authentication and enhanced security.
2.HTTP(S) Proxy
HTTP and HTTPS proxies are designed for web traffic, helping with caching, content filtering, and encryption. HTTPS proxies provide an extra layer of security by encrypting data transmission.
3.SSL Proxy
These proxies specialize in encrypted traffic, ensuring secure communication between client and server.
4.DNS Proxy
DNS proxies intercept domain name requests, helping you bypass geographic restrictions and increase lookup speeds.
Service-based proxy types:
The level of access and exclusivity also determines the type of proxy service.
1. Public proxies
Public proxies are free proxy servers that anyone can access and use. These proxies are usually hosted by volunteers, organizations, or even unknown entities that make their servers public.
2. Private proxies
Private proxies are restricted-access servers that require authentication to use compared to public proxies. They offer better security, speed, and reliability because they are not freely available to the public.
3. Dedicated proxies
Dedicated proxies are a subset of private proxies that are specifically assigned to you. Since they are not shared with anyone else, they offer the highest level of performance, security, and control.
4. Shared proxies
Shared proxies are private proxies that are used by multiple people at the same time. Since the cost is spread among several people, they are more affordable than dedicated proxies. However, performance and security are not as high.
Rotation-based proxy types:
Another key classification is how often the proxy’s IP address changes.
1. Static proxies
Static proxies maintain a consistent IP address throughout their use, meaning that all traffic appears to come from the same IP.
2. Rotating Proxy
A rotating proxy dynamically changes its IP address at set intervals or per request, making it one of the most effective tools for web scraping, data collection, and bypassing anti-bot protection.
3. IPv4 Proxy
IPv4 proxies use the traditional IPv4 standard, which has a limited number of available addresses (about 4.3 billion). Due to this scarcity, they are generally more expensive and easier to detect and block, as many addresses are reused across various services.
4. IPv6 Proxy
IPv6 proxies, on the other hand, use the newer IPv6 protocol, which supports a virtually unlimited number of unique IP addresses. This abundance makes IPv6 proxies more cost-effective and reduces the likelihood of IPs being banned due to blacklisting.
Types of proxies based on cost:
The financial aspect of a proxy plays an important role in determining its suitability for different applications.
1. Free Proxy
Free proxies can be used for casual browsing, but they generally lack security and reliability. They can be easily found online, but they usually last for hours or even minutes, making them unreliable for production environments.
2. Paid proxies
Paid proxies offer better speed, anonymity, and customer support, making them ideal for professional applications.
How to Choose the Right Proxy Server
Choosing the right proxy depends on several factors.
1. The most critical consideration is the intended purpose, as occasional surfing and web scraping projects have different requirements for reliability.
2. The level of anonymity required should also be evaluated, as not all proxies are effective in hiding your identity.
3. Performance and speed are also important, especially for applications that require real-time data retrieval. Security features should be evaluated, especially for businesses that handle sensitive information.
4. Finally, cost also plays a role, as free proxies are often risky, while premium services offer enhanced reliability.
Conclusion
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