What is Proxy server?
Proxy server - a computer system or an application that acts as an intermediary between the user and the internet. It separates end-users from the websites they browse, providing security, anonymity, and performance improvements.
A proxy server intercepts requests and forwards them to their destinations while changing their source IP address. This makes it difficult for website hosts to identify users' real location or identity.
The main function of a proxy server is to act as a gateway between the user's device and the internet. It caches frequently accessed pages, compresses large files before downloading them, removes malicious content like malware or viruses from incoming traffic thereby improving network speed and reducing bandwidth usage.
The Advantages of Using a Proxy Server
A proxy server's primary advantage is its ability to provide online privacy by hiding users' IP addresses that can be used to track them across the web. By doing so, individuals can access restricted sites without being identified via their ISP (Internet Service Provider).
In addition to providing greater privacy online, using a proxy server can also help you bypass geographical restrictions on some websites that are not accessible within your country due to legal reasons.
Furthermore, companies use proxy servers in order to control access policies for internal networks while protecting sensitive data from unauthorized third-party access.
The Disadvantages of Using a Proxy Server
Note:
This section does not imply that using proxy servers has more disadvantages than advantages; rather it outlines some possible limitations in certain circumstances where proxies may not be suitable for all use-cases.
The following text is not an exhaustive list of all possible disadvantages.
Despite their impressive benefits, proxy servers may have some limitations for users seeking the utmost privacy and security. One downside of using a proxy server is that it can be easily identifiable by network administrators or internet service providers, who can block access to them.
In addition, free public proxies are not always reliable and cannot guarantee adequate levels of privacy and anonymity. They also may contain viruses or malware that could harm your device.
This section does not imply that these disadvantages apply to all proxy servers; rather they are considerations worth noting while choosing a suitable one to meet your needs.