välityspalvelimien

Välityspalvelin, often referred to as a proxy server, is a server application or device that acts as an intermediary for requests from clients seeking resources from other servers. When a client connects to a proxy server, the client makes a request to the proxy server for some service, like a web page, file, connection, or other resource available from a different server. The proxy server evaluates the request and, if it permits, forwards the request to the appropriate server.

Proxies are used for various purposes. They can improve performance by caching frequently accessed content, reducing the need to fetch it from the origin server repeatedly. Security is another major application, as proxies can filter malicious content, block access to certain websites, and mask the IP addresses of clients, enhancing anonymity. In corporate environments, proxies are often used to enforce internet usage policies and monitor network traffic.

There are different types of proxy servers, including forward proxies, which serve clients within a private network, and reverse proxies, which sit in front of web servers and handle requests from clients on the internet. Other types include transparent proxies, which don't require client configuration, and anonymous proxies, which hide the client's IP address. The functionality and implementation of a proxy server can vary significantly depending on its specific role and configuration.