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What is a Proxy? - FatProxy

Overview

A proxy is an intermediary server that sits between your device and the internet, acting as a gateway for your internet traffic. When you connect to a website or a service, your device communicates with the proxy server instead of directly connecting to the destination. The proxy then forwards your requests to the target server and sends the response back to you.

How Does a Proxy Work?

When you use a proxy, here's what happens:

  1. Client Request: You (the client) make a request to access a website or service (e.g., typing in a URL in your browser).
  2. Proxy Server: The request is sent to a proxy server instead of directly to the website.
  3. Request Forwarding: The proxy server makes the request to the target website or service on your behalf.
  4. Response Handling: The target server sends the response (like a web page) back to the proxy server.
  5. Data Delivery: The proxy server then sends the data (web page, file, etc.) back to your device.

Types of Proxies

There are several types of proxies, each offering unique benefits depending on your needs:

1. Residential Proxies

  • Use real IPs provided by Internet Service Providers (ISPs).
  • Provide higher anonymity and are less likely to be blocked.
  • Typically used for web scraping, ad verification, and tasks that require high anonymity.

2. Datacenter Proxies

  • Hosted in data centers and provide fast, reliable connections.
  • They are generally more affordable but can be flagged or blocked more easily.
  • Ideal for tasks that require high-speed access and bulk data processing.

3. Mobile Proxies

  • Use mobile IPs from mobile carriers, providing high authenticity and dynamic IPs.
  • Best suited for mobile app testing, accessing mobile-specific content, and tasks that require a high degree of authenticity.

Why Use a Proxy?

1. Anonymity & Privacy

A proxy hides your real IP address, making your internet activity harder to track. It can help you maintain privacy by masking your identity online.

2. Bypass Geo-Restrictions

Proxies can be used to access content that is restricted to specific countries or regions by making it appear that you're browsing from an allowed location.

3. Enhanced Security

By routing your internet traffic through a proxy, you can add an additional layer of protection against malicious websites or cyber attacks.

4. Control Over Internet Traffic

Proxies allow for traffic management and can be used to filter out unwanted content, block malicious websites, and enforce company policies.

5. Faster Performance

Some proxies cache (store) frequently requested web pages, which can speed up access to those sites. This is particularly useful for web scraping or accessing the same content repeatedly.

Use Cases of Proxies

  • Web Scraping: Collecting large amounts of data from websites without getting blocked by changing IPs frequently.
  • Ad Verification: Checking how your ads are displayed in different locations around the world.
  • Geo-Spoofing: Accessing region-restricted content by changing your IP to one from the target region.
  • Bypassing Censorship: Accessing blocked or restricted websites in certain countries.
  • Social Media Management: Managing multiple accounts without triggering bans by rotating IPs.

Need Assistance?

If you have any questions about proxies or need help choosing the right one for your needs, don't hesitate to reach out to our support team:

Now you have a solid understanding of what a proxy is and how it works. With FatProxy's powerful proxy solutions, you can ensure a smoother, more secure, and efficient internet experience. 🚀