Proxy Servers Advantages

A Proxy Server is defined as a middleman or gateway between the end-user and the internet. It has its own IP address and provides the role of separating the client system and web server from the global network. Sometimes, there is a requirement to access the internet (network) without exposing one’s IP address (Identity). This is where the proxy servers are used. Proxy servers provide access to the internet after concealing the IP address of the user. In simple terms, the proxy server allows a person to access the internet with an alternate IP address.

Why are Proxy Servers necessary?

• Security: Proxies help in providing a safe and secure connection to access the internet. It prevents attacks from hackers. By utilizing proxies, data breaches can be prevented and security risks can be minimized.
• Filtering: They help in fast access to the data that has been accessed very often by caching the content of the websites.
• Privacy: Proxy servers give clients the ability to browse the internet anonymously by providing alternate IP addresses.
• Monitoring: Proxy servers are used by organizations to log and monitor network traffic.
• To control internet usage: Proxy servers can be used to limit internet access for children. Organizations use proxy servers to limit the amount of access and usage for their employees.

How does a proxy server work?

The proxy server works in the following manner:

• Request is received from the client side to process a website.
• The request enters the proxy server.
• The Proxy Server reconstructs the request with a different IP address.
• The Proxy Server forwards the request.
• Returned data from the target website enters the proxy server.
• Proxy server reconstructs and sends the data back to the client’s computer.

Types of Proxy Servers:

• Open or Forward Proxy Server: The proxy is present in front of the clients. It further acts as a gateway between the client and the network. This type of proxy is generally used in internal networks present in schools, offices etc.
• Reverse Proxy Server: Reverse proxy servers are the intermediaries that are present in front of web servers and distribute incoming requests from clients to those servers. A reverse proxy ensures a smooth flow of network traffic between clients and servers.
• Anonymous Proxy Server: Anonymous proxy servers hide the IP address of the client which helps in ensuring access to websites blocked by firewalls. They are used to increase privacies and to defend the client from cyber attacks.
• Split Proxy Server: In the split proxy server the programs are split and installed on two different computers.
• High Anonymity Proxy Servers: Highly anonymous proxies display a non-proxy public IP address and conceal anyone from seeing the clients utilizing them. This also helps in accessing websites that restrict proxy servers. This type of server goes one step beyond the standard anonymous proxy server.
• Transparent Proxy Server: It is used to act as a cache for the websites. It can not provide any kind of anonymity to the client.
• Distorting Proxy Server: If the client is detected, this kind of proxy server generates an incorrect original IP address.
• SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) Proxy Server: SSL proxy servers encrypt the data between client and server after which it forwards it to the destination.
• Shared Proxy Server: In a shared proxy server multiple clients can use the same IP address while accessing the Internet.
• Data Center Proxy Server: It is provided by other corporations through a data center that is not affiliated with the ISP. It is suited for clients who want quick responses.
• Public Proxy Server: A public proxy is available to clients free of cost. Since the data can be accessed by other clients, data may not be completely secure.

Advantages of Proxy Servers:

The following are some advantages of using proxy servers:

• Proxy servers improve the security of a client by acting as intermediaries between client and the requested destinations
• It hides the IP address (Identity) of the client thereby increasing the privacy of the client
• It controls and compresses incoming traffic thereby saving bandwidth
• Also protects the network from malware and viruses
• Allows access to restricted content behind firewalls
• It reduces the chances of data being breached
• Provides access to geo-restricted content
• It provides an extra layer of protection from hackers

Disadvantages of Proxy Servers:

The following are some disadvantages of using proxy servers:

• The data in the proxy cache can save all private details, such as personal credentials.
• The weak layer of encryption offered by the free proxy servers might not be able to prevent attacks from hackers.
• Proxy servers and the local network of client might not perfectly perform together.
• A high end proxy server’s configuration and servicing are expensive.
• A Proxy server can cause latency or delay in network communication.
• Proxy servers consume system resources (CPU and memory) to handle incoming and outgoing traffic.

Difference Between Proxy Servers and VPNs

Although the functionality of proxy servers and VPNs is quite similar in nature there are some major differences. The VPNs encrypt the traffic while the proxy servers do not. Also, the activity of the VPN user cannot be tracked while the activity of the proxy server user can be tracked.

Basis of Comparison	Proxy Servers	VPNs
Encryption	Traffic is not encrypted.	Traffic is encrypted.
IP Address	Although it hides IP address, proxy owner can see the client’s IP address.	VPN hides the IP address of the client completely.
Security	It is less secure.	It is more secure.
Level of Working	It works on the application level.	It works on the operating system level.
Cache	Proxy servers use cache.	VPNs do not use cache.

FAQs on Proxy Servers:

Q 1: Is a proxy like a VPN?
Ans: Yes, the functionality of a VPN is similar to that of a proxy server however, the VPN can encrypt the traffic, which proxy servers cannot.

Q 2: Do proxy servers use cache?
Ans: Yes, the proxy servers use cache to speed up the entire process.

Q 3: On what level do the proxy servers work?
Ans:The proxy servers work on the application level.

Q 4: What is the main purpose of a proxy server?
Ans: The main purpose of a proxy server is to keep the system behind it anonymous.