What is a Proxy Server?

So, what is proxy server? Proxy (meaning “trusted”) is an intermediate link between you and the Internet.

To migrate from the computer to the network and back, the information needs an additional server that can change IP, store confidential data, lock some kind of content, or enable different safety engines.

This technology is often compared with gates to the laboratory where researchers are disinfected. But this comparison doesn't entirely show all aspects of the process. An individual proxy node is rather an entrance vestibule in a country house. This is a room that shuts off cold air from the outside, holds off street dirt away from the house. It hosts a coat to fling on when you take the rubbish out, a bicycle, other useful stuff ready to hands. If worse comes to the worst, unpleasant guests won't get inside, either.

Thus, this technology is much wider than just a virus filter.

What for do we need proxy servers?

Usually, anonymity is the first idea that occurs to those that have heard something of the technology. But it's only one of the points. Actually, servers can do a lot of things:

• Speed up access to some resources reducing the consumed traffic.
• Protect against network attacks.
• Save from unsuitable content through data filters.
• Hide or change IP address thus ensuring anonymity.

Marketing specialists also use proxies for the following tasks:

• Automated parsing (collecting and classifying) keywords for Yandex.Direct and Google Ads in the KeyCollector software.
• Speeding up manual parsing of keywords in Yandex.WordStat.
• SEO-based website optimization and promotion with a variety of tools.
• Using anti-detect browsers to create accounts for their needs and work without bans.
• Multi-accounting to enhance user experience.

Those, who handle cryptocurrency, also use proxies. Proxy servers also help:

• Get access to crypto stock exchanges.
• Use various payment systems.
• Participate in token sales with high chances for success.

With the right settings, all these functions are available almost in any proxy server or proxy websites that are sometimes easier to use to scroll through the websites. Still, quality, convenience, and reliability they offer may differ considerably.

What Proxies are Better? Pros and Cons of Different Proxy Types

If the proxies were divided only into free proxies and the ones you pay for, this text would be very short. The proxies to pay for are better! They are faster, more reliable and with wider choice of additional tools.

But these are not all options, so the choice is not that easy. Now let's consider all available types.

First, there are public free and private paid proxies.

Free proxies are available for everyone – all you need to do is to log in, connect, and start using. Sometimes it's convenient, since no one wants to pay, but there are evident drawbacks. They are shared by many people, that's why the speed will probably be very low. The server itself might have been compromised already and doesn't provide the required level of anonymity.

Private proxy servers don't have these disadvantages, but they cost money. Though you can buy affordable shared proxies. These are paid servers that are available to a group of users, that's why their price is much lower.

Proxies can also be divided into dynamic and static. Dynamic proxy servers change their data, while static keep their address for a long time, which can be very convenient.

Third, they can be classified by the anonymity level:

• Transparent. They inform the websites that they are proxies disclosing your real IP address. They don't ensure anonymity, though cope with all other tasks.
• Anonymous. They still reveal what they are, but don't disclose your address.
• Premium. This is a Big League of anonymity, such proxies don't announce what they are and don't give away your data.

To maximize benefits of proxy servers, it's better to have a clear idea of the matter and use the paid product.

Technology solutions: what is their effect?

We can add another classification of proxy nodes, the one by technical features. It stands apart from other categories, as this classification directly affect proxy functionality.

The most common protocol is HTTP. It is used to view websites, allows to filter website content, cash data, speed up operations and control traffic. This is a standard, but not the safest option.

To transfer secret information, HTTPS is used. All information is encrypted, and is transferred through the proxy server in the encrypted form. It improves safety, but the server doesn't control, what information passes through it.

Today, the most advanced protocol Socks is not identified as proxy and doesn't disclose your IP. It handles the network as if it is not a proxy keeping you completely anonymous.

It is also important whether your proxy protocol is IPv4 or IPv6. IPv6 is faster, safer, it has more addresses, and features better encryption. Today, it can be difficult to find the first option of the protocol because of lack of addresses, so its price tag can be even higher. If you really need to save, you can buy or rent IPv4 shared proxies.

How to get proxy and check its performance?

You can buy and configure Russian and foreign proxies all by yourself. But you can make your life much easier, if you rent the resources you need. And it's ever more tempting that you can first of all try the technology. For example, Proxy.Market provides a server test drive, while technical support will guide you through all configuration nuances.

Thus you will pay only for what works fine. You can check the network latency with ping. But it's even more important to check validity, that is, general performance of proxy servers.

This is what checker services are designed for. For example, a service by Proxy.Market that will also check IPv6 support, and will convert the formats.

Conclusion

A proxy server is an easy-to-use, multi-functional tool that will enhance your online safety and speed. But it's better to use proven proxies, to regularly validate the provided resources, and, the most important point, to be aware of the right settings of the rented or bought server.

We will tell more about it in the following articles of this series. Follow the updates on our website.