Proxy Server

On networks such as the internet, a proxy server works as an intermediary between a user and the internet. It can provide security, administrative control and many other services. A proxy server is often associated with a gateway server and a firewall server. It also accepts internet service requests such as a user’s attempt to access a web page. A proxy server is invisible to a user; all request to the internet and returned responses appear to be associated directly with the specific internet server. The proxy however, is not invisible. It’s IP address must be specified as a configuration to the corresponding browser or a particular protocol. One advantage of a proxy server is a caching ability that can serve all users. When one or more web sites are frequently requested, they are likely to be placed in the cache of a proxy server, improving user response time. The functions of a proxy, proxy server and firewall can all be used in separate server applications or combined into one package. Different server programs may be a part of different computers. For instance, a proxy server may reside with a firewall server on a single machine, or it may be a part of a separate server and forward requests via a firewall.