What is a Proxy Server?

A proxy server, or application level gateway, is a computer system that tends to the requests of clients by forwarding sent requests to other servers. Read on for an overview of proxy server. How Proxy Servers Work

Proxy servers work in a very orderly manner. First a client connects to the proxy server. Once the client is connected, a specific service will be requested such as a file, web page, or connection available from a separate server. The proxy server will then provide a resource by connecting to the designated server and requesting the service on behalf of the client.

In essence, the proxy server acts as a mediator between the client and another server. If needed, the proxy server will also modify the client's request or change the server's response. A proxy server is essentially a computer that acts as a gateway between a local area network and a larger network like the Internet.

A proxy server operates by intercepting connections between the sender and receiver. Any incoming data will enter through one port, which is then forwarded to the rest of the network through another port.

The first step in the process is when the user uses his or her web browser to connect to a proxy server. When the user connects to the proxy server, a Proxy Automatic Configuration, or PAC, file is obtained.

After this, the proxy server will configure the web browser for proxying. Once the browser is ready, the user can then request a URL. The URL is compared by the proxy server to determine the connection route.

Once that is complete, the route for the requested URL is returned so the browser can retrieve it directly. The browser will then contact the proxy server to request the web page.

After the request is received, the proxy server will return the URL to the user. Proxy servers make it very difficult for hackers to get internal address and details of a private network by blocking direct access between two networks.

Many proxy servers are programs that block common Internet services. A good example is when a common HTTP proxy intercepts web access from a computer. The same principal can be applied to SMTP proxies, which intercept email. Proxy servers can also cache web pages, which mean that a web page can be temporarily stored. This makes it easier for users to access the same URLs in the future.