What is a proxy server?

The term “proxy server” is widely used in information technology. Proxy server is a specially created server that performs function of intermediary between clients that are looking for other servers. In other words, it is a computer that provides network service to enable clients to make indirect network connections to other network services. A client connects to a certain proxy server, requests a connection or file that are placed on a different server. In such a way the proxy provides the client with the resource either by connecting him/her to the certain server or by serving it from a cache. Sometimes proxy servers can change client’s request or even the server’s response for various reasons and purposes.

The benefit of a proxy server lies in its cache capability to serve different users. What does that mean? It means that if a certain web site is requested quite often, it will remain in the cache of the proxy server. Proxy server is a general and broad term but there are various types of proxy servers. You can find out more information on proxy server at buy.fineproxy.org/eng/ but here are the most widely known types of servers:

1. Anonymous proxy server, also called web proxy, usually tries to make the process of web surfing anonymous by hiding IP address of the user. Most users like this proxy server as it creates anonymity

2. High anonymity proxy is a proxy server which is impossible to identify as a proxy  and the IP address is unavailable.

3. Distorting Proxy is a proxy server which allows to detect it as a proxy but it provides an incorrect IP address.

4. Transparent proxy is a proxy server that transparently handles all requests. This proxy server does not alter any attributes or information within messages it forwards.

Reverse proxy server is an ordinary server as most user think. It is used to pass requests from the Internet, through a firewall to isolated, private networks used to pass client’s requests.