At present, there is an increasing demand for proxies. Using proxies can help us hide our real IP, overcome geographical restrictions, increase Internet speed, etc. There are many benefits. If you want to know more about what a network proxy is, come here and take a look.
What is an Internet proxy?
An Internet proxy server is a system or router that provides a gateway between a user and the Internet. It is a server that acts as an “intermediary” that can help you hide your real IP address, with high anonymity and privacy.
When a computer connects to the Internet, it uses a proxy IP address. This is similar to your home’s street address, indicating where incoming data goes, and marking outgoing data with a return address for other devices to authenticate. A proxy server is essentially a computer on the Internet with its own IP address.
How do Internet Proxy Servers Work?
All devices connected to the internet have an Internet Protocol (IP) address. This address is how the device is identified on the internet, and it plays an important role in how a proxy server works.
Here’s how a standard proxy server configuration works:
1. The user enters the URL of a website into the browser.
2. The proxy server receives the user’s request.
3. The proxy server forwards the request to the web server.
4. The web server sends the response (website data) back to the proxy server.
5. The proxy server forwards the response to the user.
Types of Internet Proxy Servers
While all proxy servers provide users with an alternate Internet address, there are several different types of proxy servers, each with their own characteristics. Understanding the types of proxies will help you choose one based on your use case and specific needs.
1. Forward Proxy
A forward proxy sits in front of a client and is used to send data to a group of users in an internal network. When a request is sent, the proxy server examines the request to decide whether to proceed with the connection.
A forward proxy is best suited for internal networks that require a single point of entry. It provides IP address security for users in the network and allows for direct administrative control.
2. Transparent Proxy
A transparent proxy can provide users with the same experience as when using a home computer. In a sense, it is “transparent.” They can also be “forced” to connect to the user, meaning that the user is connected without knowing it.
A transparent proxy is ideal for companies that want to use a proxy but don’t want their employees to know about it. Its advantage is that it provides a seamless user experience.
3. Anonymous Proxy
Anonymous proxy focuses on making Internet activity untraceable. It works by accessing the Internet on behalf of the user while hiding the user’s identity and computer information.
Anonymous proxies are best for users who want to remain completely anonymous while accessing the internet. While anonymous proxies offer some of the best identity protection, they are not without their drawbacks.
3. High Anonymity Proxy
A high anonymity proxy is an anonymous proxy that takes anonymity to a higher level. It works by erasing your information before the proxy attempts to connect to the target site.
This server is best for users who absolutely need anonymity, such as employees who don’t want their activities traced back to an organization.
4. Distorted Proxy
A Distorted Proxy identifies itself as a proxy for a website but hides its identity. It changes its IP address to a false IP address.
Distorted Proxy is a good choice for users who want to hide their location while accessing the internet.
5. Data Center Proxy
Data Center proxies are not affiliated with Internet Service Providers (ISPs) but are provided by other companies through data centers. The proxy server is located in a physical data center and the user’s request is routed through that server.
Data Center Proxy is a good choice for users who need fast response times and low-cost solutions.
6. Residential Proxy
Residential proxies give you an IP address that belongs to a specific physical device. All requests are routed through that device.
Residential proxies are great for users who need to verify ads on their site so you can block cookies, suspicious or unnecessary ads from competitors or bad actors.
7. Public Proxy
Anyone can use a public proxy for free. It works by giving users access to their IP address and hiding their identity when they visit a website.
Public proxies are best for users who are primarily concerned with cost rather than security and speed. While public proxies are free and easy to access, they are generally slower.
8. Shared Proxy
Shared proxies can be used by multiple users at the same time. They allow you to access an IP address that you may share with others so you can appear to be browsing from a location of your choice while browsing the internet.
Shared proxies are a good option for those who are on a budget and don’t need a fast connection.
9. SSL Proxy
Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) proxies provide decryption between the client and server. Since data is encrypted in both directions, the proxy hides its presence from both the client and the server.
These proxies are best suited for organizations that need increased protection against the threats revealed and blocked by the SSL protocol.
10. Rotating Proxy
A rotating proxy assigns a different IP address to each user that connects to it. Each time a user connects, they get an IP address that is different from the device that connected previously.
Rotating proxies are ideal for users who need to do a lot of, ongoing web scraping. It allows you to visit the same website over and over again anonymously.
11. Reverse Proxy
Unlike a forward proxy, which sits in front of the client, a reverse proxy sits in front of the web server, forwarding the browser’s requests to the web server.
Reverse proxies are a good choice for popular websites that need to balance the load of a large number of incoming requests. They can help organizations reduce bandwidth load because they manage incoming requests just like another web server.
What does an Internet proxy do?
Acting as your intermediary on the web, a proxy server performs many useful functions.
1. Firewall: A firewall is a network security system that acts as a barrier between a network and the wider internet. Security professionals configure firewalls to block unwanted access to the network they are trying to protect, often as an anti-malware or anti-hacking measure.
2. Content filters: Just as online proxies can control incoming connection requests through firewalls, they can also act as content filters by blocking unwanted outgoing traffic.
3. Bypass content filters: It can help you bypass geographical restrictions, making you appear to be from a different region and access blocked websites or content normally.
4. Cache: A proxy can help you cache frequently visited website content, making it easier and faster to access it when you open it again. This can reduce latency – the time it takes for data to travel across the internet.
5. Security: In addition to hosting a firewall, a proxy server can also serve as the only public interface to a network, thereby enhancing security.
6. Shared internet connection: Businesses or even homes with only one internet connection can use a proxy server to connect all devices to that connection. Using a Wi-Fi router and wireless-capable devices is another way to solve this problem.
Internet proxy use cases
1. Data collection
The rapid development of the Internet has promoted the application of big data, and data collection has become a hot industry. But with the popularity of web crawlers, website owners will take corresponding measures to limit data crawling.
2. Price monitoring
Price tracking and price monitoring can help you effectively capture the daily changing market price range and consumer purchase preferences for prices.
3. Market research
Market research is an important part of business strategy. Only by truly understanding the market can we formulate targeted marketing strategies and business development strategies to better help brands. Especially for companies doing business globally, the accuracy and timeliness of data are crucial.
4. Rush to buy goods
Since merchants’ sales are usually regional and there are many buyers, the chance of successful purchases through conventional means is very low. In order to increase the success rate, you usually need to open multiple accounts on the robot to make purchases. But merchants usually do not allow this behavior and will block suspicious accounts.
5. Brand protection
In order to maintain brand reputation and reduce customer churn, enterprises/brand merchants need to log in to major platforms and regional websites to promptly clean up counterfeit and shoddy products or clearly distinguish them from counterfeit goods.
6.SEO Optimization
Socks5 proxies are great for traffic-intensive work, such as web crawlers and SEO campaigns. With an Internet proxy, you can turn on web crawler software to automatically explore websites. Use local proxies to conduct website audits, research competitors, grab SEO data, or view search engine rankings in any country.
7.Social Media
Social media is a popular channel that can help companies enhance their brand image. However, social media sites often have access restrictions, which can affect companies from promoting their business, products, events, etc. through social media.
8.Ad Verification
Due to the frequent occurrence of false clicks on ads around the world, ad verification is essential to ensure that your ads can reach real audiences as expected.
Conclusion
In this article, you can clearly understand what an Internet proxy is, as well as its working principle, types, use cases, functions, etc. Before using it, you must first understand what an Internet proxy is, and then make a reasonable choice based on your budget and needs.
