Proxies work as a gateway between the internet and users. This is an intermediary server that separates an end user from the sites he browses. A proxy server provides differing levels of security, privacy, and functionality based on a person’s needs, company policy, or use case. When people use a proxy server, then the internet traffic passes via the proxy server to their requested address. After this, the requests return through that proxy server again. However, at times, some exceptions also happen. The job of the proxy server is to forward the data that it has received from the site to people.
The Functionalities of a Modern Proxy Server
If you choose a modern proxy server, you will find it to be doing more than just forwarding web requests. Modern proxy servers work as a web filter and firewall and they provide shared network connections as well as cache data for fastening the common requests. When people utilize a reliable proxy server then it keeps them as well as the internal network shielded from the unwanted stuff. Hence, proxy servers provide a higher level of privacy to all users who use them.
The Mechanism of Working
Every device which is linked to the internet possesses an IP or Internet Protocol address and it shows how a device gets recognized online. It plays a vital role in the working of a proxy server. A proxy can have various ways of working though the following steps are regarded as common among every proxy server:
If a device makes requests to the internet using proxies, then the proxy servers go through the requests and interpret them.
After this, they forward them to the ideal internet server.
It reads the Internet Protocol of the proxy before sending the requested data.
The proxy servers receive the data, extract them and check them for possible malwares.
If they are marked safe, then the data gets forward to the requested device.
How is a Proxy Server Similar to a VPN?
People who have heard of both a proxy server and a VPN wonder whether a proxy server is like a VPN. Both VPNs and proxy servers are similar in numerous ways. For instance, both allow users to shield their IP addresses. Again, they also assist in bypassing geo-confinements. Nonetheless, proxy servers do not encrypt the network traffic. Contrarily, a VPN encrypts network traffic. This way, it adds another safety layer.
Again, VPNs do not utilize a cache for fastening up internet access. Proxy servers, on the other hand, enhance the speed of access using its caching capabilities. When people need to choose one for their personal use, they prefer to use a proxy instead of a VPN. Proxy services can assist in preventing cyber attackers from accessing a private network. Additionally, they also shield individual computers from different kinds of threats including malware. However, in a business scenario where breaches seem costly, VPNs turn into a better option for people.
