Proxy Server Basics
A proxy server is a program or system that acts as the middleman between a client (the computer being used by an average Web user) and a remote server (which could contain a website or a file that the client wants). Proxy servers are commonly used for speed, security and filtering.
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Receiving Requests
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When a Web user does nearly anything on the Web--clicking on a link, for example--his browser sends a request to the remote server that contains the information (such as a website) that the user wants. If a proxy server is set up, it will receive the request first.
Processing Requests
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The proxy server will evaluate the request based on its rules and either send back a cached page (in the case of a caching proxy), pass on the request or deny the request.
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Caching Proxies
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The first type of proxy server, a cache, stores frequently requested content so the client doesn't have to grab information from a remote server all the time. This saves bandwidth and improves performance.
Filtering Proxies
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Filtering proxies are used to block certain websites or set up security checkpoints; for example, the proxy will pass the request along only if the password the user inputted is correct.
Locations
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A proxy server can be installed on the client computer or appear anywhere between the client and the server--for example, on a small business network.
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