What is a Proxy?

In this article, you will know what a proxy is, how it works, the different types of proxies, and how a proxy is different from a VPN.

What is a proxy server?

A proxy server is nothing else but a computer with special software installed on it, which acts as a middle point between your device and the website you want to visit. Instead of your request going straight to the website, it goes to the proxy first. The proxy then forwards the request to the website, receives the reply, and sends it back to you.

Because the website sees the proxy’s address instead of yours, your real IP address stays hidden from that site.

How does a proxy work?

Here is what happens, step by step, when you open a website through a proxy:

1. You type a website address in your browser.
2. Your request is sent to the proxy server instead of directly to the website.
3. The proxy forwards the request to the website using its own IP address.
4. The website sends the page back to the proxy.
5. The proxy passes the page on to you.

One of the basic advantages of a proxy is caching. If thousands of users on the same network visit a popular site through one proxy server, the proxy can keep a copy of common parts of that site, like images and scripts. The next user gets those parts straight from the proxy, which makes the website load faster and reduces the load on the website’s own server.

What are forward and reverse proxies?

Forward proxy

A forward proxy sits in front of users. It is used when a person or an organisation wants more privacy or more control over internet access. For example:

• Hiding your IP address from the websites you visit.
• Schools and offices filtering or blocking certain websites.
• Caching common content to save bandwidth on a busy network.
• Opening content that is restricted to a particular region.

Reverse proxy

A reverse proxy sits in front of websites and servers, not users. It receives the requests coming to a website and decides which server should handle them. Reverse proxies are used to:

• Balance traffic across several servers so a site does not slow down.
• Cache pages so they load faster for everyone.
• Protect the real server from attacks, such as DDoS attacks.
• Handle HTTPS encryption on behalf of the server.

Popular examples of reverse proxies are Cloudflare and Nginx. In fact, many big websites you visit every day are served through a reverse proxy.

Common types of proxies

• HTTP / HTTPS proxy: Works for web browsing only.
• SOCKS5 proxy: Works with more kinds of traffic, such as apps, games and file downloads.
• Transparent proxy: Does not hide your IP address. It is often used by companies and schools for filtering, and many users do not even know it is there.
• Anonymous proxy: Hides your IP address but tells the website that a proxy is being used.
• Elite (high-anonymity) proxy: Hides your IP address and also hides the fact that you are using a proxy.
• Residential vs datacenter proxy: Residential proxies use IP addresses from real home internet connections, while datacenter proxies use addresses from servers. Residential proxies look more natural to websites but usually cost more.

Proxy vs VPN: what is the difference?

Both a proxy and a VPN hide your IP address, but they are not the same:

• Encryption: A VPN encrypts all your traffic. Most proxies do not, so anyone on the same network may still see what you are doing.
• Coverage: A VPN protects your whole device. A proxy usually works only for one browser or one app.
• Speed: A proxy can be faster because it skips encryption, but it is less secure.

If you only want to change your location for one website, a proxy can do the job. If you care about privacy and security, especially on public Wi-Fi, a VPN is the better choice.

Are free proxies safe?

Be careful with free proxy servers. Since all your traffic passes through them, a badly run or malicious proxy can see the sites you visit, show you extra ads, or even capture passwords on websites that do not use HTTPS. Many free proxies are also slow and unreliable. If you use a proxy for anything important, choose a trusted, paid provider, and never type sensitive details on a site that does not show the padlock (HTTPS) in the address bar.

How to set up a proxy on your computer

• Windows 10 and 11: Open Settings > Network & Internet > Proxy, then turn on “Use a proxy server” (or click Set up under Manual proxy setup) and enter the proxy address and port.
• macOS: Open System Settings > Network, select your connection, click Details, then open the Proxies tab and enter the proxy details.
• Browser only: Firefox lets you set a proxy just for the browser under Settings > Network Settings. Chrome and Edge use your computer’s proxy settings.

Frequently asked questions

Does a proxy hide my IP address?

Most proxies hide your IP address from the websites you visit. Transparent proxies are the exception, as they pass your real IP along.

Is using a proxy legal?

Using a proxy is legal in most countries. What matters is how you use it. Breaking a website’s terms or local laws through a proxy is still not allowed.

Can a proxy make my internet faster?

It can, thanks to caching, especially on busy office or school networks. But a slow or overloaded proxy will make browsing slower.

Have your concept about proxies cleared? If you still have any confusion or other queries about proxies, let us know in the comment section below. We will surely try to solve all your issues.