What Are Proxies? Types, Functions, and How to Choose Wisely

What Are Proxies?

A proxy server is a network device or software program that acts as an intermediary bridge between a client and the internet. In simple terms, it receives requests from the client, forwards these requests to the target server on behalf of the client, and then returns the responses from the target server back to the client. This process hides the client’s real IP address, enhancing anonymity, improving security, and optimizing network performance.

How Are Proxies Work？

1. Client Sends a Request:  

When a user enters a website address or performs other network requests through a browser or application, the request is first sent to the server instead of going directly to the target server.

2. Proxy Server Processes the Request:  

Upon receiving the client’s request, the server checks whether it has cached the requested resource. If found, it directly sends the data back to the client. If not, it forwards the request to the target server.

3. Target Server Responds:  

The target server processes the request received from the medium server and returns the required data, such as an HTML page, images, or other resources.

4. Proxy Server Delivers the Response:  

The medium receives the response from the target server, optionally stores it in its cache for future requests, and forwards the data to the client. The client then accesses the desired content from the target server.

What Are the Types of Proxies?

Forward and Reverse Proxy

Forward Proxy:

Positioned between the client and the target server, it serves the client. It forwards client requests to the target server and returns the server’s responses to the client.

In essence, it represents the client, facilitating indirect communication with the target server. This type is commonly used to bypass access restrictions, hide client identity, and improve access efficiency. Thordata is an example of this kind of service provider.

Reverse Proxy:  

Different from the former, it represents the target server, providing services on its behalf. It receives client requests, forwards them to the backend servers, and returns the responses from these servers to the client. Essentially, it hides the backend server’s existence and details, serving as its representative. Reverse are essential for server protection and optimization, enhancing security and improving performance through load balancing and caching.

Anonymous, High Anonymous, and Transparent Proxy  

Anonymous:  

Designed to hide the user’s real IP address, it prevents the target server from obtaining the user’s true IP information by acting as an intermediary. This enhances online privacy and protects anonymity.

High Anonymity :

It is a type of  server that provides the highest level of privacy and security. Unlike regular anonymous, high anonymity proxies not only hide the user’s real IP address but also do not expose any identifying information that would reveal it as a server. When using high anonymity , the target website cannot detect the presence of the proxy in any way, and the user’s request appears as if it is coming directly from a real user, not a medium server.

Transparent:  

Unlike anonymous, transparent proxies allow the target server to view the user’s real IP address. The client’s request is neither hidden nor modified, hence the term “transparent.”

Static IP and Rotating IP  

Static IP:

A fixed IP address assigned to a specific device or server that does not change, even after rebooting or disconnecting.

Rotating IP:  

A dynamic IP address provided by proxy services that changes automatically with each request or at set intervals. This ensures the target server sees a different IP address with each interaction.

Residential and Data Center Proxy  

Residential:  

Uses IP addresses associated with actual home networks provided by internet service providers (ISPs). These addresses appear to originate from regular home users, making them ideal for simulating normal user behavior.

Data Center:  

Obtains IP addresses from servers in data centers (e.g., cloud service providers). These virtual IP addresses are not linked to home networks but are often used for large-scale operations.

ISP Proxy and Mobile Proxy  

ISP Proxy:  

Operates using IP addresses provided by ISPs. These IPs may be linked to home or enterprise networks and can also come from data centers or broadband providers.

Mobile Proxy:  

Uses IP addresses provided by mobile network operators (e.g., Verizon, AT&T). These IPs are dynamic and associated with mobile devices, simulating real mobile user connections.

Shared Proxy and Dedicated Proxy

Shared Proxy:  

Multiple users share a single IP address, meaning requests from various users appear to come from the same IP.

Dedicated Proxy:  

A single user exclusively uses one IP address. This reduces the likelihood of IP bans and ensures better control and performance.

HTTP/HTTPS , SOCKS , SSL Proxy  

HTTP:  

Manages HTTP protocol-based network requests, forwarding requests from web browsers or clients. Suitable for web access and applications using HTTP.

HTTPS:  

Adds SSL/TLS encryption to HTTP , ensuring secure data transmission.

SOCKS:  

A general-purpose proxy supporting multiple protocols, including HTTP, HTTPS, and FTP. It operates at a lower level, making it versatile for various requests.

SSL Proxy:  

Designed for encrypted communications, SSL IP server decrypt and forward SSL/TLS traffic for monitoring or filtering purposes.

Types	Main Features
Static IP	Fixed IP address
Rotating IP	IP changes at regular intervals or as needed
Residential Proxy	Uses real residential IPs
Data Center Proxy	IPs from data centers, high-speed
ISP Proxy	IPs from ISPs (Internet Service Providers)
Mobile Proxy	Uses mobile device IPs

Other Types

API Proxies

A Proxy Server API is an interface provided for developers to integrate IP  functionality into applications. Through the API, developers can configure parameters such as IP, port, authentication, etc., via code. This type is commonly used in automation tasks, data scraping, load balancing, and other scenarios. It also allows applications to dynamically select IPs and enhance access anonymity and security.

Web Server Proxy

Users only need to enter the URL in the browser, select the target website they wish to access. And the server will make the request on behalf of the user and return the result. This type is suitable for quick anonymous website access and bypassing regional restrictions. Web typically do not require any special client configuration,they can be accessed using just a browser.

Sneaker Proxy  

If you need to buy goods through e-commerce websites, you can learn about this type of proxy. For example, high-value limited-edition sports shoes can be snapped up. This type of proxy can pass various restrictions on the website, such as verification codes, IP blocking, etc.

They can simulate requests from users to avoid being blocked. And thay are widely used in purchasing tools and bulk purchase activities.

TOR Onion Proxy  

A TOR (The Onion Router) Onion  is a specialized proxy developed to enable anonymous communication. It employs multi-layer encryption and random routing to create a layered structure resembling an onion, which effectively conceals the user’s identity and location.

When accessing the internet via the TOR network, a user’s data is routed through several TOR nodes. Each node is only aware of the addresses of the preceding and subsequent nodes, making it nearly impossible to trace the user’s genuine IP address.

The TOR Onion Proxy is among the most commonly used tools for maintaining anonymity online, frequently utilized for protecting privacy and bypassing censorship.

DNS Proxy  

It’s used to forward DNS resolution requests. It receives DNS requests from clients and forwards them to the target DNS server for domain name resolution. DNS proxies are typically used to accelerate the DNS resolution process, bypass geographic restrictions, or filter content. Using a DNS proxy can help users access websites that are restricted by local DNS servers or bypass specific DNS censorship and blocking.

What Are the Functions of Proxies

Bypassing Access Restrictions:

When a personal IP is blocked by a target website for frequent requests or other reasons. It can help unlock the restriction, allowing normal access to the restricted content.

Protecting Network Security and Privacy:

By hiding the real IP address, proxies effectively prevent hacking, phishing, and malware targeting and intrusion, offering users higher levels of security and privacy protection.

Load Balancing and Traffic Management:

In an enterprise environment, proxy servers can distribute network traffic, reducing the load on the main server, thereby improving the overall reliability and availability of services.

Optimizing Network Performance:

Proxy servers can improve speed and reduce latency by caching frequently used resources or selecting higher-quality network routes. They can also optimize bandwidth resource utilization and prevent unnecessary traffic waste.

How to Choose the Right Proxy Service Provider Wisely

1. IP Pool Size and Quality:  

Ensure the provider offers a large pool of high-quality IP addresses, particularly for large-scale tasks like web scraping. IPs should ideally come from legitimate residential or data center sources.

2. Performance and Speed:  

Choose a provider with low latency, high bandwidth, and support for concurrent connections. Stability is key for high-demand tasks.

3. Price and Payment Methods:  

Opt for providers offering a balance of cost and value. Check for diverse payment options such as credit cards, PayPal, or cryptocurrencies.

4. Technical Support and Usability:  

Reliable customer support, detailed documentation, and user-friendly features like APIs and platform compatibility are essential. Look for free trial options.

5. Reputation and Credibility:  

Check user reviews and testimonials on platforms like Reddit and Trustpilot. Ensure the provider’s resources have legal origins to avoid security risks.

Conclusion

This article provides a comprehensive introduction to proxy servers, their working principles, and common types. Acting as a bridge between clients and target servers, proxies enhance anonymity, security, and performance.

By understanding the basics, features, and selection tips outlined here, you can choose the best proxy type and provider for your business needs, enabling more efficient online tasks.