First-time users mistakenly believe that a proxy is just some kind of intermediary between a user and an Internet resource/another user. However, this is not the case at all. They can be much more complex and deeper, it becomes clear once you see what kinds of proxies are provided by modern services. We have made for you the most detailed analysis and described all possible types of services.
Types of proxy servers depending on the application and protocol
Proxies have incredible flexibility and mobility. They can capture and convert any request and protect any protocol. To ensure that the server performs its tasks correctly and meets your expectations, you need to choose the right type of server. Let’s start by choosing according to the application and protocol.
HTTP proxy server
This type of proxy accepts HTTP requests. It is used as a redirect and reverse proxy. In the first type, it accepts your requests and redirects them to the target server. In the second type, it intercepts traffic, checks it thoroughly, and after making sure it is safe, forwards it to you – the client. As you can see, NTTR is used both for protection and for creating an anonymous environment.
SSL Proxy or HTTPS Proxy Server
SSL is often chosen by cybersecurity professionals. Like the previous type, it works as a reverse proxy and encryptor of incoming and outgoing traffic. In addition, it can be used as an encrypted data scanner. It acts as an SSL client and can encrypt and decrypt incoming/outgoing traffic.
SOCKS proxy server
SOCKets Secure redirects traffic through third-party servers according to the TCP protocol. As a result, the traffic acquires a new address, but this service is very different from VPN (novice users often confuse these two concepts). The latest version of the SOCKS protocol is SOCKS5. The update has a high power authentication system, high speed and security.
DNS proxy server
Domain Name System – A domain name system whose job is to “translate” the address of a web page into a digital language. It regulates the arrival of requests. DNS-server is very functional. It can cache requests, redirect them, convert name to address, perform the role of forwarding, etc. It helps to significantly improve domain performance and speed.
Smart DNS proxy
Smart DNS – types of proxy servers that help bypass content blocking related to geographic location. It spoofs the user’s location information, presenting the network with a different address where the content is not blocked. It is often used as a more advanced alternative to VPNs.
SMTP Proxy Server
SMTP – Simple Mail Transfer Protocol. Anti-spam service monitors the quality of transmitted mail. Filters incoming and outgoing traffic. Helps to get rid of viruses, spam, helps in load balancing.
FTP Proxy Server
FTP Proxy Server is designed to work with FTP protocol data. By the way, this is the oldest data transfer protocol (at least one of them). This protocol appeared back in 1971.
It is worthwhile to conduct FTP traffic through an FTP proxy server. It controls FTP using various parameters and authentication. It also helps in limiting the amount of file transfer.
SEO Proxy
A professional service that provides specialized assistance to SEO companies. It provides a high degree of anonymity, processing speed, reliability. The server is not prone to errors and helps to cope with both everyday tasks and to get out of SOS situations. It hides the user’s address and works in conjunction with SEO tools.
TOR onion proxy server
The original name is The Onion Router (TOR). It is a worldwide network of servers that make it impossible to track by address. It tunnels user data through the network. At the same time, it does so with very low latency. However, you should use TOR together with a proxy, otherwise the ISP and the endpoint will see the use of the system.
SIP-proxy
If you are wondering which proxy server to choose to improve point-to-point communication, Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) is worth considering. It is unique in its ability to terminate and forward calls between endpoints. It delivers request to user agent servers and return responses to user agent clients.
DHCP Proxy Agent
DHCP Proxy – A server that facilitates communication between DHCP and a client. The intermediary between DHCP request responses is used as a relay and server, in some cases as a client. As an example, a PPP server (router) can act as a DHCP client to obtain an IP address for a user.
Benefits of DHCP Proxy:
Ease of use and centralized network configuration.
Good scalability without the need for additional servers.
Network availability using continuous connectivity.
The agent is also distinguished by enhanced security. You can configure the system to communicate with authorized servers, limit the communication circle to trusted proxies, etc.
CGI Proxy
CGI is a browser-based proxy. To access it, you just need to load a web browser page. Its interface is presented in the form of an ordinary web browser. One of the great advantages of the system is its adaptability to different operating conditions. Common Gateway Interface (CGI) helps to retrieve content from the World Wide Web by acting on behalf of the client. It is easy to use even without experience.
Types of proxy servers depending on location
Which proxy to use depends on many factors, including the location of the server. The basic idea behind proxies, from their inception to the present day, is to centralize responses and incoming requests. This idea has led to the creation of two types, depending on the location – private and public. Let’s take a look at each of them.
Private proxy server
PrivateProxy gives you the opportunity to get a personalized service, with all its benefits. In essence, that private companies that provide proxy services by systematically developing security level improvements. It enhances security by splitting the campus or WAN network and adding structure. It is suitable for personal use, and helps to provide a high degree of protection.
There are significant advantages to using private proxies:
Wide range of business opportunities. You can realize various business tasks, from SEO to scraping and e-commerce tasks. As a rule, companies take into account the individual needs of business clients.
Private proxies offer support. You can always contact a specialist for help and get a solution to a problem or assistance in learning the features.
Access to a wide pool of server that is constantly updated. This helps in choosing the right IP address. Also, the larger the pool, the higher the processing speed.
The main advantage is that private proxies can provide a customized scenario for IP and other tools.
Proxy for public persons
These types of proxy servers are the border point between the internal network and the Internet. It serves as a proxy for both incoming and outgoing traffic. As a rule, this product is free or has a nominal fee.
Types of proxies based on traffic flow
Studying different types of proxies, it is necessary to emphasize one more characteristic that conditionally divides services into types – traffic flow. Depending on the direction of the flow, there are two types – reverse and redirecting.
Forwarding proxy server
To get anonymous access to information when using a public network, it is necessary to use redirection. The service receives information, redirects it hiding the user’s identity under a proxy. You are ensured complete anonymity and access to blocked content (for geographical or political reasons).
Reverse Proxy
The opposite approach is offered by reverse proxy. It controls incoming traffic and checks it for malicious content and viruses. Only after making sure that the incoming traffic is safe, the reverse proxy service sends the received traffic to the internal network. The resource of the product is large, and it can be used for different purposes. For example, for traffic control and network protection, authentication and encryption, decryption and compression.
Some of the benefits of working with reverse proxies include:
The load is distributed evenly. This makes the utilization of resources efficient. This happens due to proper distribution of requests from customers.
Conducting data delivery from the cache.
High degree of security due to additional filtering and checking of requests, blocking of suspicious codes.
Handling https requests leads to easier handling of security certificates.
High anonymity.
No need to configure each server.
These are just the main advantages. You will surely find your own peculiarities of working with this type of product.
Types of proxy servers by level of anonymity
The types of services are also divided by the level of anonymity it can provide. If the main purpose of connecting a proxy is to create a safe and maximally anonymous environment for using the benefits of the Internet for your own purposes, it is worth studying what types of proxies there are.
Elite or highly anonymous proxies
The highest degree of anonymity is provided by elite services with multi-stage protection. They do not simply hide the user’s real address, creating a completely new IP. They change the headers, which eliminates the very possibility of client identification. Also, when using them, the HTTP header does not show the status of the proxy. Not only your presence on the network is anonymous, but also the presence of the proxy. The spoofing looks natural, and does not arouse suspicion.
Transparent proxies
This option is not the best when you want to create complete anonymity. Its goal is something else. In particular, to speed up the server. At the same time, it shows its presence by striking the status “Via” in the header. It also shows your data by spelling your address in the header.
Among the benefits, it is important to note:
Confidentiality.
Providing access to blocked content.
Providing an additional layer of security.
Disadvantages:
As a rule, they slow down the internet connection.
Their reliability cannot be called invulnerable.
There is a risk of being victimized by fraudulent activities.
Rotary proxies
Often, when choosing which proxy server is the best, users choose rotating servers to get the best price and the best quality. They dynamically change their address according to your online activity. At each login, new request or with the passage of a certain time, the request gets a new address. For moderators and the network, it gives the natural impression that you are in another country. This way you can bypass geographical and political blocking and anonymously access even blocked content.
The automated process of connecting a new address makes using a proxy comfortable and safer. It is noteworthy that the service creates requests from different locations, creating the illusion that it is sent by several users from different parts of the country and even the world.
Anonymous proxies
The most popular service used to create anonymity online is distorting proxies. It allows a request to change the outgoing address, and creates an anonymous environment for the user. At the same time, it shows its active state by displaying the header “Via” in the line. Among their advantages are speed of operation, high degree of anonymity created, and difficulty of detection.
Types of proxies based on services
Depending on the services provided, the services can be divided into different categories. LTESocks mobproxy rates for different countries, speed and quality of services, privacy and reliability depend on it. Let’s consider their variety so that you can choose a suitable option.
Public Power of Attorney
Open services are available and easy to apply. The cost of the services is free of charge. It is also easy to find them, just go to your browser, enter the appropriate query and follow the first link. However, do not immediately rush into the arms of public power of attorney, because there are disadvantages. It is a free service, with limited features. Slow connection and intermittent operation are bad qualities of this product, but far from being the worst. They are unreliable and moreover, insecure.
Private power of attorney
Once you understand what type of proxies are and how they work, you can realize that this product cannot be of high quality for free. This is where private proxies enter the arena of choice. They have high speed, are safe, reliable. Private networks are divided into shared and dedicated networks.
Dedicated proxy
This proxy has dedicated resources that send requests to a single client. Among the dedicated resources, you can find data processing and bandwidth. This type is more reliable, but also has a higher price than shared ones.
Shared proxy
The available inexpensive proxies work with multiple users at once. They have reduced speed and efficiency, but they do their job.
Types of IP-based proxies
Depending on how a proxy obtains an address, several other types are distinguished. In addition to IP centers, which used to be the only source of new addresses, proxies can receive addresses from mobile operators, Internet providers. This allowed to introduce proxies for mobile and residential networks.
Data centers (DC) proxies
These systems get their addresses from Local Internet Registries. They are not associated with an ISP. The collection of addresses is quite impressive, a server with many different addresses can provide a wide range of choices for users.
However, DCs are easy to detect and block. But, for the sake of fairness, it is worth highlighting their incredible speed.
Housing Power of Attorney
Such proxies are particularly popular. They create an address with the help of home computers. Such an IP looks quite real and manages to pass moderation without being detected. These addresses are purchased from LIRs (or rented from home providers).
Mobile proxy
Mobile proxies are also called 3G / 4G / 5G. This is due to the source of addresses that are hidden behind the cellular address network. Regardless of the device from which the output is made, the endpoint sees it as mobile. As a rule, such addresses belong to mobile network operators. Often buy mobile proxies for mobile advertising, applications and other marketing purposes. These types of proxies are the most reliable, but also the most expensive.
Choosing a proxy server
As you can see, the product is sold in a wide variety. However, this makes the choice even more difficult. Which proxy to use for Telegram, and which one to use for watching videos, which one to establish business relations with foreign partners, and which one to implement marketing strategies. It is not easy to deal with this issue, but we will provide you with the simplest selection strategy that will help you make it correctly.
Criteria for selection
Which type of proxy is better depends on the tasks at hand, required speed, budget and other criteria. It is important to evaluate the maximum number of indicators so that the product meets expectations.
Geolocation. The first thing to evaluate is the number of countries to which the service has access. If you need to access certain resources, evaluate which countries have access to them. After that, find out if the country is on the list of the service you plan to work with.
Focus on the device from which you plan to perform encrypted Internet access.
Pay attention to the protocol generation. The version determines the degree of security, connection speed and other quality indicators.
It is important not only to determine the type of proxy, but also to understand how much the financial investment will justify itself. Evaluate whether the cost meets the stated characteristics and whether the functionality of the resource meets your needs.
Ease of operation. If you plan to work with the service yourself, it is important that it has a simple and understandable interface, the ability to customize, and a contact support group.
Recommendations for selection
To proudly answer the question about what kind of proxy server I have, you need to choose the right one. Of course, you can do it yourself, stick to the advice of your friends or follow the recommendations that we have collected for you. By the way, there are only five of them, and it is not so difficult to follow them.
Variety of services and addresses
Diversity is a key weapon in creating an anonymous and safe environment while using the Internet. The best providers are meticulous about the services they provide. The more diverse the list of server options, the more possibilities you have.
In addition, the service provider should have a large selection of addresses. This shows the seriousness of the company, guarantees a high level of security. How many addresses should there be in the server list? – Optimally, several million. This allows you to distribute all users, and each of them to provide quality services.
Tariff plans
After finding out the type of proxy, it is worth studying the prices. The chosen tariff should not only justify the quality of the services provided, but also be comfortable for you. Reliable services develop a whole system of prices, constantly provide discounts, trial period and other financial advantages.
Fees can be charged on the fact of subscription with the provision of a full range of possible services. There are tariffs, in which the bill is billed according to the spent traffic. You can also take advantage of customized plans. If you are not sure about the service you need, use a trial period. It is also worth remembering that at any time you can change the type of subscription, request additional services or disconnect some of the existing ones.
Geographical coverage
Serious companies cover all continents, and as many countries as possible. A properly built global infrastructure opens up vast opportunities for users. Thanks to this, you will have access to any content. Depending on the geographical and political blockage, the server will choose the country in which this content is fully open.
It also has a positive effect on speed. The more servers around the world in operation, the better the distribution of users, the load is reduced and the speed of response is increased for each user.
Reliability and safety
Needless to say, a proxy must be secure, fail-safe and efficient. For this purpose, the company must have sufficient technical support. Study reviews, research the geography of the server’s operation.
Fast-response technical support
Working with proxies may not be easy, especially when encountering unforeseen situations or needing expert advice when searching for answers to different questions. Therefore, it is important to have a consultant on call who can help you understand what proxies are needed for Instagram and how to perform a complex setup. When choosing a server to work with, pay attention to what service the company offers. It is important that:
Technical support was on call at least during the business day, and better yet available 24/7 to respond to unforeseen situations.
The competence of the technicians is also very important. Find out how skilled the workers on the line are and what their responsibilities are.
Make sure the available comfortable ways for you to contact technical support.
These are the basic criteria that the server must meet. You can allocate your own indicators.
Conclusion
Using proxies opens up new professional opportunities for marketers, business owners and parsing specialists. You get access to new information, can secure your data, find a new market for your services and goods.
A necessary product and the average user. The modern world is filled with content that you want to consume. However, it is not always possible due to blockages. Proxy allows you to successfully bypass them. Besides, it is an excellent method of protecting your personal and financial information.
As practice shows, it is better to use individual proxies, which, although they have a paid basis, can offer maximum benefit and protection. Of course, you can connect available public servers, but it is worth remembering that they have a lot of disadvantages. These include slow speeds, outages, and most insecurely, the risk of losing the personal information you’re trying to protect.
Use modern products to achieve the highest levels of security. Spend your time online effectively, regardless of your line of work.
