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Proxy Server FAQ
What is a Proxy Server?
A proxy server is a 'Store and Forward' cache. Basically, this means that when you browse the Web via a proxy server, you do not connect directly to the Web Page that you would like to view, your request is sent to the proxy server and it retrieves the page, stores it, and the forwards it to your browser.
A proxy, much like a VPN, can also be used when you are having problems accessing certain sites/services on the net. There may be DNS problems, your IP range may be blocked etc. in these cases accessing the desired service via a proxy server may provide the solution.
How does a Proxy Server work?
When an Internet service is requested of a proxy server (for example, a request
for a web page), the transaction will follow these steps:
- Users computer inititates communication by sending a request to the proxy server.
- The proxy server checks the request against it's filtering rules. (the administrator
of the machine may have certain sites or services blocked)
- If the request passes the filter, the proxy server then checks it's cache for previously
stored versions of the page requested.
- If the requested page is found in the cache, the proxy server sends it back to the
user.
- If the page is not in the cache, the Proxy Server will need to first retrieve the
requested page, store it and then forward it on to the user.
Why would anyone use a proxy?
You can set up a proxy server yourself if you want to restrict Internet acces to
the users in your home/office. Having a proxy server in your network will also reduce
Internet traffic as the most often viewed websites will be viewed from the proxy's
cache and not retrieved from the Internet, thus saving bandwidth for dial up users
and also for users with bandwidth restrictions.
There are also many 'Open Proxys' connected to the internet. ProxyLeech.com
lists these types of proxys. When surfing through one of these proxy servers your
details may or may not be forwarded on depending on the type of proxy server. See
below for more details on different types of proxies.
A proxy can also be used when you are having problems accessing certain sites/services
on the net. There may be DNS problems, your IP range may be blocked etc. in these
cases accessing the desired service via a proxy server may provide the solution.
What are the different types of Proxy Servers?
There are three main types of Proxy Server.
- Transparent Proxy - Passes on all data regarding the connection to the host.
- Anonymous Proxy - Will not pass on any information about the initiator, but the
host will know that a proxy is being used.
- High Anonymity Proxy - Will not send any information to the host about the
initiator or that a proxy is being used.
You can also find so called 'CGI Proxys' or 'Anonymizers' on the Internet,
you can find many examples of this on the Internet.
What is a Public Proxy Server?
A public proxy server is one that is open to everyone using the Internet. Sometimes
the administrator of these proxy servers are not aware that their servers are open,
if you are a server administrator, you can check to see if your server is open with
the help of ProxyLeech.com.
How can I setup my Web Browser to use a proxy?
See Browser
Proxy Settings to set up your browser to use a proxy server.
How often do I need to configure my Browser?
You will only have to configure your browser once. Obviously if you want to use
a different proxy server you will need to reconfigure your browser settings. See
Browser Proxy
Settings for more information.
How can I stop my Web Browser from using a proxy?
If you do not want to make use of a proxy after having setup your browser to use
one. You will have to undo the changes. See
Undo Browser Proxy Settings for more information. (just do the reverse of the instructions)
What is Proxy Chaining?
Proxy chaining is using multiple proxies and chaining them to the desired web service.
This makes your connection more anonymous than using just one proxy, but it will
most likely have a detrimental affect on your connection speed to the host.
ie. Initiator -> Proxy 1 -> Proxy 2 -> Proxy 3 -> Host
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