Proxy

Proxy

A proxy is a server that acts as an intermediary for requests from clients seeking resources from other servers. It allows a user to make indirect network connections to other network services.

Overview

A client connects to the proxy server, requesting some service, such as a file, web page, or other resource available from a different server. The proxy server evaluates the request as a way to simplify and control its complexity. Proxies were invented to add structure and encapsulation to distributed systems.

Types of Proxies

There are several types of proxy servers available, each serving a unique purpose. These include:

• Open Proxy: An open proxy is a type of proxy server that is accessible by any Internet user.

• Reverse Proxy: A reverse proxy is a type of proxy server that retrieves resources on behalf of a client from one or more servers.

• Forward Proxy: A forward proxy is an Internet-facing proxy used to retrieve data from a wide range of sources.

• Web Proxy: A web proxy server, also known as a proxy or application-level gateway, is a computer that sits between your device and the Internet and handles your requests for accessing websites and services.

Uses of Proxies

Proxies are used for a variety of reasons, including:

• To keep machines behind it anonymous, mainly for security.
• To speed up access to resources (using caching). Web proxies are commonly used to cache web pages from a web server.
• To apply access policy to network services or content, e.g. to block undesired sites.
• To log / audit usage, i.e. to provide company employee Internet usage reporting.
• To bypass security/ parental controls.
• To scan transmitted content for malware before delivery.
• To scan outbound content, e.g., for data leak protection.

See Also

• Firewall
• Virtual Private Network
• Internet Security