Types of Proxy Servers

by Lysis

Overview

Proxy servers are used to pool Internet requests through one server and give users a safe way to browse the Internet. Proxy servers are also beneficial for network administrators who need to monitor Internet usage on the corporate network. Proxy servers are even available freely over the Internet. There are several types of proxy servers and understanding them is important before connecting to one of them.
Caching

A caching proxy server is one that is used to speed up Internet access for users. It's used for corporate networks so users do not need to waste bandwidth downloading websites consistently. A caching proxy server saves a copy of the website and delivers it to users instead of downloading it each time. This speeds up access for all users and reduces bandwidth costs for companies.

Web Proxy

A web proxy is the most popular. It's also called an "HTTP" proxy since HTTP is the protocol of the web. A web proxy allows the user to connect to the server and use its Internet connection. A web proxy is beneficial for corporate networks and for people who have home networks. A web proxy can also cache web pages and filter inappropriate websites that may cause harm to a user's computer.
Anonymizing Proxy

An anonymizing proxy is one that allows users to spoof their IP address. An anonymizing proxy is used on the Internet as a method of circumventing website filters. It's also beneficial for people who are at work and need to access a website that a company has filtered. By accessing the anonymizing proxy, the IP address that is shown on the target domain is shown as the proxy server's instead of the user's.
Forced Proxy

A forced proxy server is one in which the user is forced to use the proxy server instead of his own. A forced proxy server is beneficial for companies who have strict enforcement of Internet policies. A forced proxy takes Internet traffic and automatically filters it through the server.
Open Proxies

Open proxies are available on the Internet to avoid filters. Many administrators have updated lists of open proxies. Open proxies allow users to access a website and displays an alternate IP, shielding the recipient domain from obtaining the user's actual IP address. Open proxies are also free unlike other proxy servers on the Internet.