There are several reasons for using proxy servers. When used as a link between two communication partners, this network component enables data exchange to take place between two systems if a direct connection isn’t possible. It might not be possible due to incompatible IP addresses, for example, because one uses an IPv4 component and the other uses the new IPv6 standard. Data that takes a detour through the proxy is also filtered, cached, and distributed through load balancing onto different target systems. Additionally, a proxy is a central component of firewalls that protect computer systems against attacks from the public network.
- Caching: another standard feature of proxy servers is caching. In order to quickly answer recurring requests from a local network, a corresponding configured proxy server stores a copy of the data, which it receives from servers on the internet, temporarily in a cache. Frequently requested web content doesn’t have to be reloaded every time and can instead be delivered directly. This saves time and bandwidth.
- Filtering: if a proxy server is installed as an interface between two computer systems, it can be used as a filter for data traffic to block certain web content for clients or automatically dismiss conspicuous server requests.
- Bandwidth control and load distribution: if a proxy server is used to control the bandwidth, it allocates defined resources (depending on the capacity) to the network client beforehand. This way it can be guaranteed that the bandwidth isn’t completely blocked by individual applications. As a central interface, a proxy server also enables resource-intensive client requests or server responses to be shifted onto different systems so that loads can be evenly shared within a computer network.
- Anonymization: since proxy servers prevent direct connection between sender and receiver, it’s possible to hide the client’s IP address behind the communication interface. This allows a certain degree of anonymity since users are using the IP address and location of their proxy. In countries with a strong internet censorship or restricted access to copyrighted material, proxy servers from other countries are used to circumvent a geo-blocking schemes.