Proxy Server
What is a Web Server ?
Web Servers is either a computer or network of computers which handles http based reuests. Typical example of web servers are apache and IIS.
All the websites (web pages) on Internet are either on a shared hosting server or a dedicated hosting Server, and these Computers are also having web servers running as process. So what happens is, while using Internet when you enter the URL of the website, the request is get sent to these servers and the fetch the web page and send to you.
What is a Proxy Server ?
Proxy Servers are not web servers but their pruprose is to act as a channel. Normally Univercities and Offices uses Proxy servers in their local network
Proxy Servers are programs/softwares written specially for providing betetr security and anonymity. They can be written in any programming language like C++, Java, Python and even perl.
How does Proxy Server Works ?
Normally when you browse Internet, you directly connect to the website like this -
You -------------------------> Website
But with proxy server, you connect to that server and that server get the page on your behalf. For outsiders (and to that website) it looks like the proxy server is THE user.
You -> Proxy Server ---------> Website
When a user requests for a particular connection, he/she is actually negotiating a connection with the proxy and this proxy forwards the connection to the remote server. Remote server reads the request and sends the output to the proxy server, proxy server process the connection and sends it to the client.
A pure form of connection is received by the client. So here an extra added layer of protection is provided to the system and proxy server. Proxy server filters the incoming request based upon the client preference. Client can set various preference`s on a proxy server such as data filter, content filter, search filter, IP address filter, geographical location filter, caching, scalability, etc. Depending upon the configuration of proxy filter on proxy server connection is processed. If you have multiple proxy servers it is better to have centralized proxy server network management software which will help you in improving network performance.
Why Use a Proxy Server ?
Proxy Servers are used for 2 Reasons -
1. For Faster Browsing - Proxy Servers are used with local caching which means if a page is fetched earlier by a user in the network, that can be shown to another user of same network instead of again making a http request. This reduced the bandwith usage and makes the browsing faster.
2. For anyonmity - For outsiders, the whole Intranet using a proxy server looks as a single IP. Oursiders can never
3. Better Security - System admin can (and often) blocks various ports on proxy servers hence providing additional security to the network
Types of Proxy Server
1. Windows Based Proxy Servers and Softwares - Windows have various type of one click install softwares which act as Proxy Servers. You can install them on any windows based PC and make that PC as your Proxy server. You can Check such softwares from download.com. CCProxy Server and Proxy+ are two most popular windows based softwares.
2. Linux Based Proxy Servers and Softwares - Linux has Squid Proxy Server which is used on most of the linux based macines. You can check more about it from their Website.
