proxys

Proxys, commonly spelled proxies, are intermediary servers that act on behalf of a client to request resources from other servers. They can hide the client’s identity, enforce access policies, improve performance through caching, and provide additional security through traffic inspection and control.

There are several main types of proxys. Forward proxies sit between clients and the internet, enabling organizations to apply filters, monitor usage, and cache data. Reverse proxies sit in front of one or more backend servers and handle client requests to distribute load, terminate TLS, and shield internal infrastructure. Open proxies are publicly accessible and can be used by anyone, though they often pose reliability and security risks. Transparent proxies do not require configuration on the client side and may alter or log traffic, while anonymous and elite proxies aim to conceal the client’s IP address to varying degrees. SOCKS proxies operate at a lower level and can proxy a wide range of transport protocols, whereas HTTP/HTTPS proxies specialize in web traffic and may support tunneling for secure connections.

Key features commonly associated with proxys include caching to speed up repeated requests, access control and authentication, load balancing, and content filtering. Security considerations include the potential for traffic to be logged or altered, the risk of misconfiguration, and the possibility of compromised or untrustworthy proxy services. Proxys are used in corporate networks for policy enforcement and performance, by content delivery networks for distribution, and by individuals seeking privacy or access to restricted resources, though usage may be subject to legal and policy limitations.