What is a Proxy Server, and How Does it Work?
Surely a lot of people have heard of proxies, or Server Proxy, or Proxy Server! So do you know what it is? In the article below, Network Administration will introduce you to the basics of this Proxy!
What is Proxy Server?
Proxy Server acts as a gateway between the user and the Internet. This is an intermediary server between users and the websites they visit. Proxy servers offer different functions, security, and privacy depending on your needs or company policies.
If you are using a proxy server, Internet traffic will pass through the proxy server in its path to the address you requested. After that, this request will return to the same proxy server (there are also exceptions to this rule), and that proxy server will forward the data received from the website to the user.
Modern proxy servers do more work and forwarding web requests; it also implements data security and increases network performance. Proxy servers act as firewalls and web filters, providing shared network connections and cache data to speed up common requests. In addition, a good proxy server will protect users and the inland network from unwanted things from the Internet. Finally, proxy servers can provide a high level of privacy.
The features of Proxy Server
Proxy servers offer three main functions:
- Firewalls and filtering
- Share a connection
- Caching
Proxy server features are essential on wide-area networks like corporate in-house networks and ISPs.
Firewall and Filtering
Proxy servers work in the Application class, class 7 in the OSI reference tomb. They are not as popular as traditional firewalls but work at a lower level and support filtering applications independently. Proxy servers are also more challenging to install and maintain than firewalls. Even so, if the server proxy is configured correctly, it will improve the security and performance of the network. Brokers have capabilities that regular firewalls cannot provide.
Some network administrators use both firewalls and proxy servers to work together. To do so, they must install both firewall software and proxy server software on a server gateway.
Since the Application class re-works, the filtering function of proxy servers can be treated as a regular router. For example, Web server proxies can check the URLs of requests sent to web pages by checking HTTP GET and POST messages. Standard firewalls, It cannot see web domains inside notifications. Regular routers can filter by port number or network address with the amount of data sent in. Still, server proxies can also filter based on the application content inside the notification.
Share a connection to a Proxy Server.
Many software products for connection sharing on home networks have appeared in recent years. Even so, in large and medium-sized networks, proxy servers are still solutions that provide expansion and efficiency in Internet access. Instead of assigning each client a direct Internet connection, in this case, all internal references can be given through one or more proxies and, in turn, connect out.
Proxy Server and Caching
Caching websites can improve the quality of service of a network in 3 ways. Firstly, it can preserve network bandwidth, increase scalability. Next, it is possible to improve the responsive ability of the clients. For example, with an HTTP proxy cache, the Web page can load faster in a web browser. Finally, the proxy server cache can increase serviceability. Web pages or other lines in the supply still can access even the source or intermediary network link is offline.
How proxy servers work
Every computer on the Internet must have a unique IP address. Think of this IP address as the same as your home street address. Just as the post office needs to know your street address to send mail, the Internet also needs to see the computer’s IP address to send data to the correct computer.
A proxy server is a computer on the Internet with an IP address that your computer knows. When sending a web request, it will go to the first proxy server. The proxy server will then make your web request, collect feedback from the web server, and forward site data to see the website in the browser.
When a proxy server forwards a user's web request, it can change that data while still obtaining the information as required. First, the proxy server can change your IP address so that the webserver does not know your exact location. Second, it can encrypt data so that no one can read it during shipping. And finally, the proxy server can block access to specific websites based on IP addresses.
Why should you use a proxy server?
There are many reasons organizations and individuals should use proxy servers.
- To control the use of the Internet by employees and children: Organizations and parents set up proxy servers to control and monitor employees or children using the Internet. Most organizations don't want their employees to see specific websites during work. They can configure proxy servers to deny access to particular websites and navigate you with a note asking you not to view them on a corporate network. In addition, they can monitor and record all web requests, so even though they don't block websites, they still know how long you spend doing things other than work.
- Save bandwidth and improve speed: Organizations can also get better overall network performance when using proxy servers. Proxy servers can cache (save a copy of the website locally) websites or visit. Therefore, when requesting the website, the proxy server will check if there is the latest copy of this website and send you a saved copy. This itmeans that when hundreds of people visit Quantrimang.com simultaneously from the same proxy server, this server simply sends a request to Quantrimang.com. It keeps the company's bandwidth and improves network performance.
- Privacy: Individuals and organizations also use proxy servers to browse the Internet more privately. Some proxy servers will change IP addresses and other identifying information. It means that the target server doesn't know who made the initial request, helping keep your personal information and browsing habits more private.
- Security improvements: You can configure a proxy server to encrypt web requests so that no one can read your transaction. In addition, users can also avoid malicious websites through proxy servers. Organizations can connect their proxy servers to a Virtual Private Network (VPN), so that remote users can access the Internet through the company's proxy. VPNs connect directly to the corporate network so that they can control and verify their users have access to the resources they need (email, internal data) and also provide a secure connection for users to protect company data.
- Access to blocked resources: Proxy servers allow users to circumvent content restrictions imposed by the company or some organizations. If access to the website is blocked, you can log in to the proxy server elsewhere and see from there. Proxy servers make you look like you are in the US, but actually, you are in Vietnam.
Proxy server risk
You need to be cautious when choosing a proxy server; here are some risks when using a proxy server.
- Risks from free proxy servers. Using an accessible server can be risky, even for services that use ad-based revenue models. Free usually means they don't invest much in hardware or backup encryption. As a result, you may see performance issues and potential data security issues. If you are using an utterly accessible proxy server, be careful, some of them are just trying to steal your credit card number.
- I was browsing history logs. The proxy server has your original IP address and web request information, so check the proxy server log and save that data.
- No encryption. If you use a proxy server without encryption, you submit your request in plain text. Anyone can see their username, password, and account information. Make sure the proxy server you use has encryption.
Types of proxy servers
Not all proxy servers work in the same way. Therefore, it is essential to accurately understand the functionality of each type of proxy server and make sure to meet your needs.
Transparent Proxy
The transparent proxy will tell the site that it is a proxy server and still uses your IP address, which determines the web request. Businesses, public libraries, and schools often use transparent Proxies to filter content because they're easy to set up client and server names.
Anonymous proxy
An anonymous proxy will identify itself as a proxy, but it won't move your IP address to the site - which helps prevent identity theft and keeps your browsing habits private. They can also prevent websites from distributing targeted marketing content based on your location. In addition, anonymous browsing precludes the site from using some ad targeting techniques but is not 100% guaranteed.
Distorting proxy
An impersonating proxy does the same functionality as an anonymous server. Still, by sending the wrong IP address to a web server, so you can appear from another location to be able to access blocked content.
High Anonymity proxy
Highly anonymous proxy servers periodically change the IP address on which they appear on the webserver, making it very difficult to track who the traffic belongs to. Thus, highly anonymous proxies, like TOR networks, are the most private and secure way to use the Internet.
Benefits of the proxy server
Proxies come with several benefits that can give the business advantage:
1. Advanced security: Proxy can act as a firewall between your system and the Internet. Without them, hackers can easily access your IP address; they can use this address to infiltrate your computer or network.
2. Browse, view, listen and shop privately: Use different proxies to help you avoid being "engulfed" in unwanted ads or specific IP data collection.
3. Access location-specific content: You can specify a proxy server with an address associated with another country. You can make it look like you're in that country and have full access to all computers that contain content that the government is allowed to interact with.
4. Prevent employees from browsing inappropriate or disintegrable websites: You can use it to block access to websites that run against the organization's guidelines. In addition, you can block websites that often cause employees to lose focus on essential tasks. For example, some organizations block social networking sites like Facebook to remove the temptation to waste time.
Proxy server vs. VPN
On the surface, server proxies and virtual private networks (VPNs) seem interchangeable, as they both route requests and responses through an external server. Both also allow you to access websites where the country you live in is blocked. However, VPNs offer better protection against hackers because they encrypt all traffic.
So should you choose a VPN or proxy?
If you need constant Internet access to send and receive data that needs to be encrypted, or if your company has to disclose the data you need to hide from hackers and spies, then a VPN would be the better choice.
If an organization needs to allow its users to browse the Internet anonymously, proxy servers can be helpful. This is a better solution if you just want to know which websites team members are using or make sure they have access to sites that block users from your country.
VPNs are better suited for business use because users often need to transfer data in both directions securely. For example, company information and personnel data can be precious in the hands of the bad guys, and a VPN provides the encryption you need to protect that information. For personal use where the violation affects only you, a single user, the proxy server may be an appropriate choice. You can also use both technologies simultaneously, especially if you want to limit the websites that users in the network access while encrypting their communications