What is a proxy, and why do you need it?

• Definition of a proxy server
• Proxy features
• Varieties of proxies
• Public and private servers
• How to choose the best proxy server?
• Final thoughts

Today, many people face a rather pressing problem of blocking access to various Internet resources and information on the network, protecting personal data from possible use by third parties when visiting suspicious platforms. The best solution in such situations is to use proxy servers. What is it, and why are they so relevant today? In our article, you can learn more about all the details of the proxy operation and discover the most popular types.

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Definition of a proxy server

Only some network users are aware of what a proxy is. Thus, it’s essential to comprehend this idea entirely. Proxy servers became an invaluable tool for connecting users to the World Wide Web. They act as a bridge between the user and the websites they visit, ensuring a secure connection not easily intercepted or tracked by third parties. With this extra layer of protection, users can enter websites in various circumstances without worrying about their data being compromised. Additionally, proxy servers enhance speeds and reliability when accessing specific sites.

Proxy features

Proxies are handy tools that provide a variety of advantages to users. Using a proxy offers the ability to reach the following goals:

• Providing user privacy. Internet resources will not access information about a person’s identity if a user uses a proxy server.
• Increasing the security level of surfing the Internet. Any possible attacks will be directed not at the user but at the proxy server.
• Accessing data that is restricted to specific geographic locations. You may decide on a proxy that simulates any location you may need.
• Speeding up access to some pages.
• Opening access to blocked platforms, content, instant messengers, and other tools.

In addition, proxies can also be applied for tasks such as SEO optimization, scraping data from the web, and bypassing restrictions on streaming services. In short, proxies offer a wide range of positive points that make them an invaluable asset for anyone striving to maximize their online experience.

Various objectives can be achieved because the proxy alters the user’s IP address and routes all incoming traffic through a different server with more robust data protection measures. The mechanism of the proxy server suggests that the entire procedure only lasts a few milliseconds. Consequently, you won’t notice any changes when using this tool.

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Varieties of proxies

We can distinguish several kinds of proxy servers. They differ in the level of confidentiality, the algorithm for transmitting data, and the peculiarities of using the tool. Here are the types based on the degree of anonymity:

• Transparent. Such proxies do not shield the user’s private data from websites. Information is filtered and cached using this type. For example, when the Internet’s bandwidth does not match the number of people who want to reach it.
• Standard. These proxies do not hide their nature from the network while still adjusting user data. Due to this, web resources cannot deanonymize a person. Sometimes, sites block requests coming from a proxy.
• Distorting. They allow users to use the IP of other regions and countries. Therefore, these proxies are used when it is indispensable to evade geographic restrictions.
• Private. Such proxies have a high degree of anonymity, as they can change the IP with each Internet connection. Modern websites cannot determine the use of such a proxy, so all requests are considered to be from a real person.

In addition, a proxy server is classified based on the method of information transfer. There are HTTP, HTTPS, and SOCKS proxies. The first type does not encrypt info, so there is a risk of third parties taking it over. The second type implies full traffic encryption. It enables you to reliably protect any critical information a person can receive on the network. SOCKS proxies are considered the most modern ones. Therefore, such protocols are used not only for web resources but also for operating numerous programs. Moreover, this one does not expose itself or the user’s IP to the network.

Public and private servers

Depending on their intended function, proxies are classified as either public or private. The first option includes protocols that are publicly accessible. Thus, many of them may be blocked by websites. They are pretty unstable and won’t ensure the user’s absolute data protection. On the other hand, third parties cannot access private proxies because there is an authentication requirement. Dedicated private proxies are safer, faster, and, therefore, more expensive because only one person accesses them.

How to choose the best proxy server?

Today, there are paid and free proxy servers. It allows people to select the best option considering all the necessary characteristics. When selecting a proxy, it is vital to pay attention to the following factors:

• The proxy purpose. As an illustration, you may open a blocked resource using VPN browser extensions. If there is a need to promote several pages on Instagram, the best solution would be to use a proxy server (anonymous, dedicated ones).
• Geographical location. It’s critical to realize that a server’s work decreases with distance from the user. The perfect choice is a proxy of your country or a neighboring one.
• Guarantees and customer support. Some platforms offer their customers the opportunity to test the tool or replace it in case of problems. Many resources provide assistance and advisory support to set up a proxy server and other tasks.
• Reviews, reputation, and service rating. Be sure to study the opinions and experiences of users who have already worked with the platform to arrive at a final decision based not only on the proxy owners’ words.
• Price. When choosing a proxy server, you need to remember that there are different types which affect the final price.

Moreover, you should pay attention to additional options – data encryption, ad filtering, malware blocking, and other valuable features.

Final thoughts

Proxies are indispensable tools. Users access blocked content, protect their identity and browsing activity from prying eyes, and gain access to global content from different countries with the aid of these instruments. Moreover, proxy servers are easily applicable to all current operating systems. Services typically include detailed instructions for handling proxy server settings on a mobile device, tablet, or personal computer while considering the OS currently installed. As a result, changing the device’s settings to make it compatible with a different tool will be a smooth process. Users may always seek guidance from the company providing proxy rental services with the help of its customer support department.