A proxy server is a specialized computer that acts as an intermediary between a client and a server on the Internet.

It can be used for various purposes, such as ensuring security and data protection, balancing server loads, speeding up access to network resources, and bypassing access restrictions to websites and services. A proxy server can be either a physical device or software that operates on a computer or server.

Who uses proxies and why are they needed?

Proxy servers are used by various users and organizations to achieve different goals.

1.Individuals Many people use proxy servers to ensure their security and privacy online. A proxy can hide your IP address and location, which can help protect you from identity theft, hacking attacks, and other threats.

2. Business Organizations Companies may use proxy servers to control internet access, ensure the security of their networks, and protect their data from unauthorized access.

3. Internet Providers Providers use proxy servers to cache web pages and other resources to speed up access for their users.

3.Advertising Networks Advertising networks may use proxy servers to track user behavior online and show them targeted ads.

4.Government Organizations Some organizations may use proxy servers to censor the Internet, block access to certain sites, and monitor the internet activity of their citizens.

How do Proxy servers work?

A proxy server acts as an intermediary between a client and the internet.

When a client accesses a website or service on the internet through a proxy server, the request is first directed to the proxy server. The proxy server processes the request and forwards it to the target site or service. After the target site or service responds to the request, the response goes back through the proxy server and is delivered to the client.

The proxy server can perform various functions, such as hiding the client's IP address, caching web pages, controlling access, etc.

Let's take a closer look at how a proxy works:

• The client sends a request to the proxy server.
• The proxy server receives the request and checks if the required information is in its cache. If the information is there, then the proxy server sends it to the client and completes the request. If there is no information, then the proxy server forwards the request to the target site or service.
• The target site or service receives the request from the proxy server and processes it.
• When the target site or service responds to the request, the response goes back through the proxy server. The proxy server can modify or block the response before sending it to the client.

Proxy Protocols

Proxy protocols are used to process requests and transfer data between the client and server. There are several types of protocols. Some of the most common proxy protocols include HTTP, SOCKS, SSL, DNS, P2P, and VPN. Each of these protocols has its features and applications, and the choice of a specific protocol depends on the goals and requirements of the user.

For example:

HTTP protocol
The most common proxy protocol, used for processing HTTP requests. It can be used for caching web pages, load balancing, and ensuring security. HTTP proxies can be configured to block access to certain sites or services and to modify client requests before sending them to the target site.

SOCKS protocol
A proxy that operates at the TCP/IP level and can handle not only HTTP requests but also other protocols, such as FTP, SMTP, etc. It can be used for security and bypassing access restrictions to certain sites. SOCKS proxies can be configured to forward client requests to the target site without modifying their content.

SSL protocol
A proxy that supports the SSL/TLS protocol and can provide a secure connection between the client and server. It can be used to protect confidential information transmitted between the client and server. SSL proxies can be configured to encrypt client requests before sending them to the target site.

DNS protocol
A proxy that handles DNS requests and can be used for security and bypassing access restrictions to certain sites. DNS proxies can be configured to redirect client requests to other DNS servers, allowing them to bypass blockades and access restrictions to certain sites.

P2P protocol
A proxy used for file sharing through torrent networks. It can provide anonymity and security when downloading and sending files. P2P proxies can be configured to mask the client's IP address and bypass access restrictions to certain torrent sites.

VPN protocol
A proxy used to create a virtual private network (VPN) between the client and server. It can provide security and bypass access restrictions to certain sites. VPN proxies can be configured to encrypt client requests before sending them to the target site and to bypass geographical blockades and access restrictions to certain sites.

What types of proxies exist?

By connection, there are:

HTTP proxy
A proxy server used for data exchange via the HTTP protocol. It can be used for data caching, load balancing on servers, and ensuring security when transmitting data over the Internet.

SOCKS proxy
A more versatile type of proxy that can work with any protocol using TCP/IP. It allows bypassing access restrictions to certain sites and services and provides security when transmitting data over the Internet.

SSL proxy
A proxy server that provides data encryption between the client and server. It is used to protect confidential information, such as passwords, credit card numbers, and other personal data.

DNS proxy
A proxy server that is used to redirect DNS requests. It can be used to bypass access restrictions to certain sites and services and to speed up network performance.

Ping proxy
A proxy server that allows bypassing restrictions on pinging (sending ICMP packets). It is used to check the availability of remote servers and devices and to diagnose network problems.

FTP proxy
A specialized type of proxy used for data exchange via the FTP protocol. It can be used to ensure security when transferring files over the Internet and to speed up network performance.

Transparent proxy
An invisible proxy server to the user that does not require configuration in the browser. It is used to ensure security when transmitting data over the Internet and can be used in schools, offices, and other organizations to control Internet access.

Is it safe to use a proxy?

Using a proxy server can enhance security in some cases, but the exact level of security depends on many factors, including the type of proxy server, its configuration, the quality of its implementation, etc.

A proxy server can be used to bypass access restrictions to sites or services, but this does not mean that it can provide complete anonymity.

Your IP address can still be tracked by other means, such as using other technologies, such as IP addressing by MAC address or detection by hardware characteristics. Additionally, the proxy server itself can be vulnerable to attacks. If a hacker gains access to the proxy server, they can gain access to information about clients, including their IP addresses and data transmitted through the proxy.

According to the study "The Web's Most Widely Used Proxies," conducted in 2013, about 15% of all web pages are loaded through proxy servers. However, not all proxy servers are created equal, and some of them may be more vulnerable to attacks than others.

How is a proxy different from a VPN?

A proxy server and VPN (Virtual Private Network) are two different tools used to ensure security and protect data on the Internet. Here are the main differences between them:

1. Proxy server:

• Acts as an intermediary between the client and server.
• Can be used to bypass access restrictions to sites or services.
• Can hide the real IP address of the client.
• Can provide some degree of protection from attacks and monitoring on the Internet.
• Does not provide data encryption between the client and server.
• Can be vulnerable to attacks itself.

2. VPN:

• Creates a virtual private network between the client and server.
• Provides data encryption between the client and server.
• Can hide the real IP address of the client.
• Provides a higher level of security and protection than a proxy server.
• Can bypass geographical blockades and access restrictions to sites.
• May be slower than a proxy server due to data encryption.
• A proxy server and VPN have different functions and applications. If you only need to bypass access restrictions to sites or services, a proxy server can be a useful tool. If you need a higher level of security and data protection, a VPN would be the preferred option.

How to choose a proxy server?

Choosing a proxy server depends on your needs and goals. But there are several factors to consider when choosing a proxy server:

1. Purpose of use Determine what you will use the proxy server for. If you need to bypass access restrictions to sites or services, then a proxy server specializing in bypassing restrictions may be suitable. If you need security and data protection, it is better to choose a proxy server that provides encryption and anonymity.

2. Type of proxy server There are several types of proxy servers, each with its features and applications. We discussed them above.

3. Server location The location of the proxy server can affect the speed and quality of the connection. If you are in a specific country, it is better to choose a proxy server located in the same country.

4. Price Some proxy servers are available for free, but they may have limitations on speed and functionality. Paid proxy servers can provide higher speed and functionality, but their cost can be high.

5. User reviews Before choosing a proxy server, it is recommended to read user reviews. This can help you understand how reliable and effective the chosen proxy server is.

6.Technical support Check what technical support is provided by the proxy server. If you encounter problems or have questions, it is important to have the opportunity to seek help.

How to set up a proxy?

Setting up a proxy server is not a difficult process, but its specifics depend on the operating system and software you are using.

We have prepared step-by-step instructions for you on how to set up a proxy server in several popular operating systems and browsers:

Windows 10:

• Press the Win + X key and select "Settings".
• Go to the "Network and Internet" section.
• Select "Proxy server".
• Enable the "Use a proxy server" option and select the type of proxy server (HTTP, SOCKS, etc.).
• Enter the address and port of the proxy server, as well as the login and password if required.

macOS:

• Open "System Preferences" and select "Network".
• Click the "Advanced" button.
• Select "Proxy server".
• Enable the "Use a proxy server" option and select the type of proxy server (HTTP, SOCKS, etc.).
• Enter the address and port of the proxy server, as well as the login and password if required.

Google Chrome:

• Click on the menu icon in the upper right corner of the browser.
• Select "Settings".
• Go to the "Network" section.
• Click the "Change proxy server settings" button.
• Enable the "Use a proxy server" option and select the type of proxy server (HTTP, SOCKS, etc.).
• Enter the address and port of the proxy server, as well as the login and password if required.

Mozilla Firefox:

• Click on the menu icon in the upper right corner of the browser.
• Select "Settings".
• Go to the "Network and Internet" section.
• Click the "Proxy server settings" button.
• Enable the "Use a proxy server" option and select the type of proxy server (HTTP, SOCKS, etc.).
• Enter the address and port of the proxy server, as well as the login and password if required.

For more detailed information and instructions, refer to the documentation or support of your software.

Is it expensive to use a proxy?

The answer to this question will depend on the proxy you choose yourself.

By cost, proxies can be both paid and free.

However, free proxies suffer from low connection speed and lack of technical support. In addition, free addresses can be blacklisted at any moment.

Moreover, many free proxies are specifically designed to steal your personal data.

Paid proxies come at absolutely different costs: both cheap and expensive. But in other respects, the user gets pure "pluses":

• unique access to the proxy;
• high-quality support work;
• high working speed;
• connection stability.

So the choice of proxy and its cost is an individual choice for everyone. Buy proxy on belurk.com.