A proxy server is a server application that acts as an intermediary between a client requesting a resource and the server providing that resource. It provides a gateway between users and the internet, helping prevent cyber attackers from entering a private network. When a user sends a web request, the request goes to the proxy server first. The proxy server then makes the web request on the users behalf, collects the response from the web server, and forwards the user the web page data so they can see the page in their browser.
Proxy servers can be used for a variety of purposes, including improving privacy, security, and performance. They can be used to control the websites employees and staff access in the office, save bandwidth by caching files or compressing incoming traffic, and balance internet traffic to prevent crashes. Additionally, a content-filtering web proxy server provides administrative control over the content that may be relayed in one or both directions through the proxy, commonly used in both commercial and non-commercial organizations (especially schools) to ensure that Internet usage conforms to acceptable use policy.
There are different types of proxy servers, including transparent proxies, which tell websites that they are a proxy server and still pass along the users IP address, and anonymous proxies, which hide the users IP address. Proxies can be used for personal purposes, such as hiding location while watching movies online, or for businesses to protect data and privacy.
