A proxy server is a computer system that acts as an intermediary between two or more networks. The primary function of a proxy server is to translate requests from one network protocol into another, such as HTTP into a different protocol, such as HTTPS.
This allows a user on one network, such as a corporate network, to access web pages and applications on a different network, such as the Internet.
Proxy servers are often used in order to circumvent geo-restrictions. For example, a user in the United States who wants to access a website that is not available in their country, can use a proxy server to access the website.
Proxy servers can also be used to hide the identity of the user. For example, a user who wants to access a website that is banned in their country, can use a proxy server to anonymize their IP address.
Proxy servers are also used to increase the privacy of the user. For example, a user who wants to avoid being tracked by their ISP, can use a proxy server to anonymize their browsing habits.
Proxy servers are also used to bypass censorship. For example, a user in China who wants to access the Google search engine, can use a proxy server to bypass the Chinese firewall.
Proxy servers have a number of advantages over other methods of accessing the Internet. For example, proxy servers are faster than VPNs and they are less likely to be blocked by the firewall.
Proxy servers are also cheaper than VPNs and they are less likely to be overloaded.
