Difference Between Firewalls & Proxy

A firewall is a part of a computer system or network that protects the system by preventing unauthorized access over the internet. A proxy server is one type of firewall.

Basic Firewall Function

A firewall works by examining each packet of information sent between the protected computer and computers outside the local network. Packets that do not meet certain rules are blocked.

Proxy Server

A proxy server is a computer that sits between a local network and the rest of the internet. All outside access to the network must pass through this server.

Proxy Advantages

Because all traffic to protected computers must pass through the proxy server, outside users cannot uncover the specific network addresses of computers in the local network, which adds an additional layer of security.

Proxy Disadvantages

The owner of the proxy server can see all the traffic between the network and the outside internet, which could limit the privacy of individual users inside the proxy. Also, proxy servers require a large setup and thus are not practical for single computers.

Other Types of Firewall

Most firewalls are software programs instead of separate computers like a proxy server. The program monitors the internet traffic of a computer and allows or denies access based on rules set by a user.

References

• Firewalls FAQ