Proxy Server

text size AAA Published December 27, 2011

Overview

A proxy server, also known as proxy or application level gateway, is a server that acts as an intermediate between a user and the Internet. A proxy server makes connections, generates responses, and receives traffic from the Internet on behalf of the client computer.

When a proxy user requests a remote resource using a URL, the proxy server receives the request and returns the resource to requested user and stores the content in its cache. If new user asks for a request that is already stored in the cache, then the new request is serviced from the cached data. This facilitates the speedy retrieval of web pages. A proxy server can also be used to prevent users from viewing certain kinds of pages. This server is invisible to the user, and all the Internet requests and responses seem to appear directly from the web server.

There are four types of proxy servers: transparent, anonymous, distorting, and high anonymity. A transparent proxy identifies itself as a proxy server and guides the original IP address through HTTP headers. The anonymous proxy server does not transfer any information about the IP address of its user and helps hide the information about you and your surfing interests. A distorting proxy makes the original IP address available through HTTP headers.

Benefits

Proxy servers ensure enhanced administrative and caching features. The proxy server saves details of frequently visited web pages in its cache, helps speedy recovery of the page, and reduces response time. Websites can get through all the firewalls without any problems since the requested information is coming directly from the proxy server and not from the banned site. Proxy servers increase the performance and security of data transmissions.

How It Works

In order to configure a proxy server, you need an Internet Protocol (IP) address and port number.

A proxy server works by intercepting the connection between the sender and receiver. All the incoming data simply enters through one port and is forwarded to the network through another port. The proxy server first receives a request for an Internet service from a user. It then sends the received information to the proxy server. Before that, it checks with the previously downloaded pages to see if the website has been visited before. If so, it then returns the right information to the user by taking the details from the cache. If the requested page not in the cache, then the proxy server uses its own IP addresses to request the page from the server on the Internet.