välityspalvelin

Välityspalvelin, often referred to as a proxy server, is a server application or a device that acts as an intermediary for requests from clients seeking resources from other servers. When a client, such as a web browser, makes a request to access a resource, it is first sent to the intermediary proxy server. The proxy server then forwards this request to the destination server on behalf of the client. When the destination server responds, it sends the response back to the proxy server, which in turn forwards it to the original client.

Proxies can be used for various purposes. One common use is for security, where a proxy server can filter out malicious content or block access to certain websites, enhancing network security. Another significant application is performance improvement. By caching frequently accessed resources, a proxy server can deliver them to clients much faster, reducing latency and bandwidth consumption. Privacy is also a key benefit; proxies can mask the client's IP address, making it more difficult for websites to track user activity. Additionally, proxies are employed to bypass geographical restrictions, allowing users to access content that might be unavailable in their region. 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 to handle requests from clients on the internet.