In layman's terms a proxy is a stand-in, an alternate, or a substitute and a server is one who services whatever request you may have. It is interesting how this simple analogy can also apply to the computer world. A proxy server is in a way something like what we have described just now. It is something that serves as an alternate or a substitute that gives heed or grants requests.
Going a bit more in depth into this computer jargon, proxy servers can either be an application program or a computer system that behaves or functions as described above. They are go-betweens for actual servers and clients. Clients, computer-wise, are programs or applications (or even a remote computer) that requests access to information or services to a remote server via a computer network.
For example, you want to open a web page on your computer. Your computer would be acting as the client making a request to access the web page you just typed on your browser's window. Your computer connects to a proxy server that first checks if your requested page is stored in its files. If what you're looking for is there, it relays that page back to you. However, if that page isn't within the stored files then the proxy will forward that request to the actual server containing your requested page.
Web pages are not the only resource that can be requested. Clients may request files or a connection as well. Other than being a go between, these servers also act as a form of control. Every request made by clients would be filtered according to specified rules. Information traffic may be filtered using IP addresses or even through protocols.
What we have described is the most fundamental function of proxy servers. However, you should also note that there are other types of these servers out there. They perform various functions other than what we have tackled so far.
A content filtering server filters what web pages can be displayed on your screen. These are common in schools, libraries, and business firms. The idea is to prevent access to websites that are deemed unacceptable. Caching servers makes copies of information that is frequently passed through. They provide faster access to information that is frequently needed.
Firewall servers are proxy servers that act as a security measures to prevent any form of intrusion into your company's server. Reverse proxy servers on the other hand acts as go-betweens for other servers and the Internet. This is used for added security and lessens the load on other servers.
There are also intercepting proxy servers. These are used to intercept any information that is passed through your network. As you might have guessed these may be used to gather any information you have requested or you have passed on. Proxy servers have various uses and serve many different purposes. About Author: Peter Garant has written many articles about Proxy Sites for a recently launched website about Proxy Sites. Visit Introduction to Proxy Servers.
