Types of proxy servers and classification

Types of proxy: types and classification. Description and features of different proxy servers classes - tips and recommendations from the Advanced.Name specialists

Types of proxy, classification and description — Advanced.Name

A proxy server is a transient computer with the proper software installed. It acts as an intermediary between user's computer and the Internet. A proxy server is used for: data caching and compressing, protecting a local network from external access, limiting access to certain websites, block ads and malicious software and so on.

The main types of proxy servers:

  • HTTP
  • HTTPS
  • Socks

Which of them are better and what are their features? Let's take a closer look at each of them.

HTTP

Considering all types of proxy this kind of server is the most popular. It is used for various purposes where the main one is arranging the proper functioning of a browser. The process description: a program or a browser sends a request to a server for opening a web page. A proxy received the data and sends this data to user's PC. This type of a proxy server is not anonymous.

Such a proxy allows for:

  • caching once downloaded files and let one find them via a request to HDD without new downloading;
  • prohibiting the access of local network computers to certain websites (for example, to social networks);
  • limiting the download speed of certain files in order to avoid traffic;
  • keeping logs;
  • routing requests.

Furthermore, such a proxy can be adjusted for showing transparent images instead of ads. These images will not influence the entire design but will save load time.

HTTPS

Actually it is similar HTTP with the opportunity for protecting personal data during data transfer. How does it work? HTTPS just encrypts data with an especial hack-proof encryption algorithm.

Advantages of the protocol:

  • It caches the pages visited making them load faster;
  • It supports HTTPS safe connection;
  • It is impossible to track the data transferred when working with HTTPS.

Regardless of all the advantages this type of a server can display user's IP.

Socks

The protocol is the most modern one as for now. It guarantees anonymity and does not disclose the actual user's IP. During the connection there will be Socks IP displayed in the web servers, but the server will not notice that it is proxy used. Socks is perfectly compatible with the two protocols described previously. That is why we really recommend it. It also creates chains making data safety better.

Actually classification of proxy servers is much more complicated and large. There are also transparent, anonymous and high anonymous proxy servers. We have just provided the examples of the most common proxies and of the proxies we work with.

Call us and we will recommend the best solution for your needs.