What is a proxy server?
A proxy server is a computer that sits between a client and a server to intercept requests. There are several uses of a proxy server, but the most common is to speed network traffic by caching pages or files that are requested often. By doing so, the server can deliver the request quickly, only polling the server when required. In this way, it not only speeds up network traffic, but also relieves server load. Major Internet hubs and Internet Service Providers (ISPs) employ dozens of proxy servers. Filtering or censorship is another use for a proxy server. A company that provides Internet connectivity to its employees might configure such a server to block requests for certain websites. It can also filter content based on configurable criteria to help enforce acceptable use policies. If a proxy server does not require a Web browser to be configured to use the proxy, it’s called a transparent proxy. Otherwise, the Web browser must point to the proxy in order to