Proxies have become a quite common part of internet lingo. Some may have only heard the name, while others are already using proxy servers and understand the basics of how they work. In either case, it is worthwhile to familiarize yourself deeper with this technology, especially in times of heightened cybersecurity concerns.
Here, we will look at various proxy types, including residential, rotating, and SOCKS5 proxies. Thus, whether you just want to understand what people mean when they mention these terms, or looking to , compare them against static ones, or find out about proxy protocols, you came to the right place.
What is a proxy and how does it work?
In network computing, a proxy is a server that someone uses as an intermediary when connecting to another server. So, for example, if you were to use a proxy when connecting to the internet, your traffic would first go to the proxy, and only then to the end server where the website you visit is hosted.
The main reason to do this is to never reveal your actual IP address to the end server. Because when the proxy makes a request instead of you, the website only knows the proxy’s IP and not yours. Thus, it allows for greater internet anonymity. Additionally, it increases your security as the proxy is connecting to potentially dangerous servers instead of you and might warn you of what lies ahead.
Generally, if you are using a proxy service, what you use is not only this server but the software that guides your traffic. It is this software tool that directs the request you make through the proxy and might choose among many different IPs in a proxy pool. This enables a host of different ways that proxies can be configured to act. Thus, proxies have different types and features.
What are the main proxy types?
There are different ways to categorize proxies based on various parameters. Below is the list of main classifications and the most important proxy examples classified in the given way.
- Based on protocol. is built on protocols that describe how information is shared and transferred. Some of these protocols are also used as rules guiding the sharing of data packets through a proxy. Thus, proxies differentiate by which protocol they use. Currently, the two main types based on this feature are HTTP proxies and SOCKS5 proxies.
- Based on IP rotation. Proxy service can either assign you one IP for the entire session or prolonger periods, or, it can rotate the IP that you use. In the latter case, the rotation can come either with every new request or after a specified period of time, for example, 10 minutes. In this sense, you would choose between static proxies and rotating proxies.
- Based on IP type. There are multiple ways to get an IP. If you are a residential user, your IP address is assigned by your Internet Service Provider (ISP). Mobile devices have different types of IPs. Data centers have large servers that generate IP addresses that are not affiliated with any ISP. Proxies can have IP addresses of either kind, making them residential proxies, datacenter proxies, or mobile proxies.
- Based on sharing. When using a proxy you can either be the only one using it or sharing it with someone else. The number of users you share it with can be limited to just 1 or 2, or it can be a much larger number. When you are the only user of the particular proxy server, it is a dedicated or private proxy. When sharing with many people, it is a shared proxy, and when with just a few others – a semi-dedicated proxy.
- Based on payment. Depending on whether you pay for the proxy or not it can be a paid proxy or a free proxy.
Additionally, some proxies can be dedicated to a specific use case. The most common example is sneaker proxies, dedicated to which is among the best-known use cases for proxying.
Furthermore, there are forward and reverse proxies. A is the server that sits in front of the end server and handles the incoming traffic. Below we will concentrate on various forward proxies because this is what you would use for outgoing traffic when connecting to various servers.
The last thing to note is that a proxy you would use has a feature of each classification. Thus, it would be, for example, a paid, forward, rotating, residential, private, SOCKS5 proxy.
How to choose?
Finally, let’s dive into the advantages and disadvantages of each type.
HTTP or SOCKS5?
HTTP proxies are better at handling the internet traffic, as it is usually directed by the HTTP protocol. However, they cannot parse the traffic that is not based on this protocol.
SOCKS5 proxies are much more versatile and can interpret traffic based on any programming language. Thus, they can be used in more use cases. They are, however, not as good at interpreting HTTP traffic as HTTP proxies, do not encrypt traffic, and might be more expensive.
Rotating or static?
The choice depends entirely on the use case. If you need to have the same IP address for the session, for example, when purchasing online or connecting to a streaming service, you need a static proxy.
For automated tasks that need to make multiple requests to the server, such as web scraping, rotating proxies are better. Making too many requests from the same IP might get the IP address blocked for suspicious activity.
Residential or datacenter?
are better at mimicking an organic user activity and, thus less discoverable. However, this makes them more expensive, and they can often be slower.
Datacenter proxies are cheaper and faster, but the website can tell that you are using a proxy. This runs a risk of getting it banned if such activity is disallowed by the website.
Mobile proxies are used specifically when you need to connect to a mobile network.
Shared or private?
Shared proxies are the cheapest, but you have less privacy and control with them. Thus, you might see the proxy IP banned due to what someone else does. Additionally, they will be slower.
Private proxies are better on all counts. However, they cost more. Semi-dedicated proxies are the middle ground between, providing a compromise between price and performance.
Paid or free?
Free proxies can be found somewhere online and you do not need to pay for them. That is their only advantage, as otherwise, they are not secure, can be scam used to steal your data, and almost certainly will not work properly.
Paid proxies cost money but provide all the security of using an actual service from a trusted provider. Thus, they should be chosen whenever possible.