A proxy server is a type of a
"go-between" between the Internet and the users of a
network. If a client needs information from the Internet, the proxy
server searches for the destination and retrieves the information.
This provides for higher security and faster service because the
client, itself, does not directly connect to the destination.
A proxy server is used for a number of
different reasons. Proxy servers enhance security by hiding the
individual host address. When a server receives the request, the
server will only see one address, which is the address of the proxy
server, and not the individual host. Because all requests are being
made on one server, network traffic is less busy if more than one user
requests the same location, enhancing performance. The proxy server
copies each of the addresses requested. When another host requests for
the same destination, the server sends out the cached version of that
location.
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