Proxy servers work as an intermediary between both ends of a client/server network connection. Proxy servers interface with network programs, most usually servers and Web browsers. Some Internet Service Providers (ISPs) also use proxy servers as a piece of providing online services’ clients with they. Ultimately, a class of third party Web sites that were hosted called Web proxy servers is accessible to end users on the web for their Web browsing sessions.
Essential Characteristics of Proxy Servers
Three major functions are traditionally provided by proxy servers:
Network and firewall data
data caching

Proxy differ from conventional network firewalls which operate at lower OSI layers and support program-independent filtering. Proxy servers are also harder to set up and maintain than firewalls, as proxy functionality for every program protocol like SMTP, HTTP, or SOCKS have to be configured separately. But a correctly configured proxy server enhances functionality and network security for the goal protocols.
Network administrators regularly install proxy server software and firewall to work in tandem, installing proxy server software and firewall on network gateway server.

The filtering ability of proxy servers is comparatively more advanced compared to that of normal routers since they operate in the OSI Application layer. Network administrators can use this attribute bar access to domain names that are prohibited but permit access to other websites. Common network firewalls, cannot by comparison, see the Web domain names inside HTTP request messages. Similarly for incoming data traffic, average routers can filter by IP address or port number, but proxy servers may also filter based on program content in the messages.

Several years back, third party software products were widely used on home networks to share a single PC’s Internet connection with other computers. Internet connection sharing functions in many houses instead is now provided by dwelling broadband routers. On corporate networks, yet, proxy servers continue to be generally used to distribute Internet connections across local intranet networks and multiple routers.

The user experience in three ways of a network can improve. Caching may conserve bandwidth on the network, raising its scalability. Next, response time can improve. Into the browser Web pages can load more rapidly with an HTTP proxy cache. Eventually, proxy server caches raise content availability. Copies of other static content in the cache and Web pages remain accessible even in the event the first source or an intermediate network link goes offline. With the tendency of Web sites to dynamic database drive content, the advantage of proxy caching has decreased compared to the years past.
While many companies set up proxy servers connected to their internal networks, they aren’t used by most home networks because dwelling broadband routers provide the vital firewall and connection sharing abilities. Another category of proxy servers exists that enables users to make the most of some proxy server gains when their own local network does not support them. Web proxy services are mostly sought out by Internet users as a way to improve their privacy while browsing online, although these services offer other advantages also including caching.