Proxy
Proxy
A proxy is a server that acts as an intermediary for requests from clients seeking resources from other servers. It allows a user to make indirect network connections to other network services.
Overview[edit | edit source]
A client connects to the proxy server, requesting some service, such as a file, web page, or other resource available from a different server. The proxy server evaluates the request as a way to simplify and control its complexity. Proxies were invented to add structure and encapsulation to distributed systems.
Types of Proxies[edit | edit source]
There are several types of proxy servers available, each serving a unique purpose. These include:
- Open Proxy: An open proxy is a type of proxy server that is accessible by any Internet user.
- Reverse Proxy: A reverse proxy is a type of proxy server that retrieves resources on behalf of a client from one or more servers.
- Forward Proxy: A forward proxy is an Internet-facing proxy used to retrieve data from a wide range of sources.
- Web Proxy: A web proxy server, also known as a proxy or application-level gateway, is a computer that sits between your device and the Internet and handles your requests for accessing websites and services.
Uses of Proxies[edit | edit source]
Proxies are used for a variety of reasons, including:
- To keep machines behind it anonymous, mainly for security.
- To speed up access to resources (using caching). Web proxies are commonly used to cache web pages from a web server.
- To apply access policy to network services or content, e.g. to block undesired sites.
- To log / audit usage, i.e. to provide company employee Internet usage reporting.
- To bypass security/ parental controls.
- To scan transmitted content for malware before delivery.
- To scan outbound content, e.g., for data leak protection.
See Also[edit | edit source]
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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD