What is Proxy Server? | Definition from Tech Galaxy |

Proxy Server

A proxy server verifies and forwards incoming client requests to other servers for further communication. A proxy server is located between a client and a server. where it acts as an intermediary between the two, such as a Web browser and a Web server. The proxy server's most important role is providing security.

Proxy servers serve several purposes:

1. Anonymity :- By using a proxy server, you can hide your IP address from the websites you visit. The website sees only the IP address of the proxy server, not your own.

2. Content Filtering :- Proxy servers can be configured to filter out certain types of content,  such as blocking access to specific websites or restricting access to certain types of content (e.g.,  adult content, social media sites) on a network.

3. Improved Performance :- In some cases, proxy servers can cache frequently accessed content, such as web pages and images. This can improve performance by serving cached content directly to clients, reducing the need to fetch data from the original server each time.

4. Security :- Proxy servers can act as a barrier between your internal network and the internet, providing an additional layer of security by inspecting incoming and outgoing traffic for malicious content or unauthorized access attempts.

5. Access Control :- Proxy servers can enforce access policies, allowing administrators to control which users or devices can access specific resources on the internet.

There are different types of proxy servers, including:

- HTTP Proxy :- Handles HTTP requests.

- HTTPS Proxy :- Handles HTTPS requests.

-  SOCKS Proxy :- Supports various types of internet traffic, including HTTP, HTTPS, FTP, etc.

- Transparent Proxy :- Intercepting proxy that does not modify requests or responses and is typically used for content caching.

- Reverse Proxy :- Acts on behalf of servers and accepts requests from the internet, forwarding them to the appropriate server within a private network. Overall, proxy servers provide flexibility, security, and control over internet traffic for both individuals and organizations.