Proxies are becoming popular because of their versatile features. They provide many things, including better network performance, surpassing geo-blocking, privacy, online security, and much more. There are many reasons why both individuals and organizations use proxies.
But choosing a proxy isn’t easy, mainly because there are many different types out there. You can’t just get any proxy. There are types designed for different uses, and they offer a variety of functionalities.
So to avoid spending money on something that isn’t ideal for your needs, it’s important to get informed. We’ve decided to help you and give you all the essentials you should know when choosing a proxy.
Proxies 101
Simply put, proxies are your safety net when browsing the web. All of the information your device sends out or receives is checked and filtered by a proxy. These independent servers take care of all of the requests you make on your behalf and act as a “mediator.”
All of the traffic sent or received by your device goes through the proxy first when using a proxy. When you connect online, your device is assigned an IP address. The role of IP is to be your digital address so that when you request something, it gets delivered to your device.
Proxies are computers that “borrow” their IP or generate one for your device. When making requests through proxies, they are first routed through the proxy and then delivered to your device.
How they can be used
Proxies can be used in many different ways. Some individuals that have the necessary background can set up their proxies. However, proxies are mostly used as a service. In other words, companies provide proxies, and the only thing users have to do is subscribe to their services.
These solutions are used to:
- Improve internet speeds
- Prevent data package errors
- Get anonymity
- Improve privacy
- Boost online security
- Unblock online content
- Enable web scraping processes
- Block distracting sites
- Cache content
They can be used for both personal and business needs. They act both as a shield for your whole network and control all of the requests you make while also protecting your true identity while browsing the web.
Main types of proxies
Proxies are made for all kinds of uses, and that’s why there are so many types out there. All of them have their benefits when used the right way. For example, some proxies offer less anonymity while giving you a better ability to unblock content. Here are some of the main types of proxies:
SOCKS5 proxy
A SOCKS5 proxy can come in many different forms. The main thing about these proxies is that they use the SOCKS5 internet protocol. A SOCKS5 proxy gives users a connection to a server that allows you to access and multilayer different data types, including UDP and TCS. To get more information on this proxy type, click here.
Residential proxy
These proxies come with physical IP addresses tied to real devices. They offer many advantages because they often can’t be detected as they look like regular devices.
Datacenter proxy
These proxies are the opposite of residential proxies as they offer IP addresses that are created virtually. These proxies provide less anonymity but are generally faster.
Private proxy
These proxies are used by a single user only, and they are often called dedicated proxies. This means that you aren’t sharing resources with other users.
SSL proxy
This type of proxy uses the SSL protocol. This protocol gives a bit more protection from surveillance, tracking, and hackers.
Rotating proxy
A rotating proxy changes the IP address of users randomly. This means that your private connection is less noticeable.
How to choose a proxy
The first thing you need to consider is the type of proxy. All of them have their pros and cons, and you need to find the one that offers the right pros for you. Furthermore, make sure to look for a reliable proxy service.
Not all providers are reliable and especially those proxies that are free. When looking for a proxy, make sure to consider the price. It’s not that important, but you certainly can’t expect to get a really low price for an excellent proxy.
When hunting for good service, read reviews, client testimonials, ask previous users, check out their site, and so on. In the end, remember to look at how the dashboard looks and whether that proxy service is easy to use.
Use cases for different proxies
A typical use case for residential proxies is data crawling or web scraping because they can’t be easily detected and blocked. At the same time, rotating proxies are also good for this use because they constantly give you new IPs.
Lots of companies use SOCKS5 proxies to secure their internal connection of business data. They have different authentication options giving more transparency and control over usage. At the same time, they create streamlined communication because they can be used with other protocols.
Conclusion
Take the time to research proxies and learn what they do. More importantly, before you start your search, learn what your needs are. If you don’t plan to do anything complex online, a simple proxy would be a good option.