Proxy is an ancient device used since ancient times as a mechanism for anonymously bypassing network restrictions. Proxy servers remain effective middlemen in the ever evolving network for safely transmitting web connections between internet service providers and web users. As a service, proxy servers help to maintain privacy of communications by hiding the real identity of the user. They help to keep anyone from spying on the activities of internet users. Proxy servers are also useful in maintaining administrative control over a website or computer system. These systems operate through the use of anonymous proxy servers and provide web users with the opportunity to bypass restrictions imposed on them by Internet Service Providers (ISPs) and other filtering systems.
Internet browsing history is an important part of Internet usage. Proxies hide the true identity of users behind different anonymous IP address(s). Proxy servers receive requests for web pages through their connection to the internet servers. Based on the request, the proxy server alters the web traffic destined to the destination. Anonymous proxies have been used as a tool for Internet privacy by professional Internet users for quite a long time.
Nowadays, it is possible to get a free proxy service with a fast and easy application process. The new anonymous proxy servers can be easily used from the internet. These types of systems act just like ordinary application programs with the addition of an advanced layer of security. Anonymous proxy servers are used to protect against hackers and unauthorized Internet access. With these programs, any site that wants to restrict web-based access can do so with a single click.
Residential proxies tend to be used by individuals or business users who want to surf the web in confidence. With this type of proxy server, one will be able to browse anonymously and bypass restrictions imposed on them by Internet Service Providers (ISPs) and content filtering companies. This type of system can be very useful for subscribers of certain online community sites who want to surf freely. There are two types of these systems: residential and commercial. Each has its advantages and disadvantages.
With a residential proxy, the user enters his or her IP address during registration or when connecting to the Internet for the first time. The IP address is then used by the system to create a unique virtual address that is used as the source of the Internet traffic. The proxy server intercepts the first IP packet and interprets it as the requested web page. If the requested site is not available, the system will return to the client with an error message. With this, anonymous proxies are able to protect one’s online privacy.
Commercial proxy servers do not use an IP address for the purpose of masking the IP address of the client. The web proxy server intercepts the request that has originated from a specific website before passing it on to the intended website. Since there is no IP address involved, there is no chance of people viewing unsolicited or unwanted content through the proxy server. However, this service may cause slowing down of the network due to large web pages that are passed through the proxy server.
Some proxy servers also use IP locking to prevent the clients’ IP address from being changed or blocked while surfing online. This feature is often found in free web servers. This type of service is usually found on some commercial websites that require a minimal fee. Some proxy servers use a random IP address for each request to prevent the clients’ requests from being closely monitored.
There are a number of providers that offer a variety of web proxy services. Most of these companies allow anonymous proxies as well as shared web servers and IP changing. The prices vary depending on the type of service offered and the number of request per month. Some of these companies charge by the week or month, while some offer unlimited usage at a flat rate. Free proxies are usually restricted to checking an IP address every 10 minutes while paying proxy servers usually restrict the access of anonymous proxy users to certain sites and usually block all outgoing traffic, even if it is a legal internet activity.