What is an IP proxy?how to use?
Definition of the IP proxy
Every device on the Internet has a unique IP address, just like our residential address. However, sometimes we don't want people to know our "residential address", when IP proxy come in handy. The IP proxy, simply put, is a middleman who can interact with your devices on the Internet. It will hide your real IP address, making your online actions even more hidden.
The IP proxy works is simple. When you send a request through the proxy server, the request is sent to the proxy server and then forwarded by the proxy server to the target server. The target server returns the response to the proxy server, which then forwards it to you. As a result, the target server can only see the IP address of the proxy server, but can not see your real IP address, thus protecting your privacy.
IP proxy are very useful in so many scenarios. For example, you can use IP proxy to access some locally restricted sites, or avoid being tracked by advertisers. However, also be aware that using an IP proxy does not fully guarantee your privacy security, as the proxy server may record your network activity. Therefore, when choosing an IP proxy, you must choose a reputable service provider.
Classification of the IP proxy
Classification by the degree of anonymity
According to the degree of anonymity, IP proxy can be divided into three types: transparent proxy, anonymous proxy and high anonymous proxy. Transparent proxy does not hide your real IP address, it is primarily used to cache web pages and accelerate access. Anonymous proxy will hide your real IP address, but the target server can know that you are using the proxy. Not only will the high anonymous proxy hide your real IP address, but the target server cannot know that you are using the proxy.
For most users, anonymous and high anonymous proxy are better choices because they provide a degree of privacy protection. However, if you just want to speed up access, then the transparent proxy is enough.
Different types of IP proxy have their own advantages and disadvantages. Transparent proxy does not provide privacy protection, but it is usually faster. Anonymous proxy and high-anonymous proxy can provide privacy protection, but they may be slow, especially for free agency services.
Classification by protocol type
According to the agreement type, the IP proxy can be divided into HTTP proxy, HTTPS proxy, and SOCKS proxy. The HTTP proxy can only process HTTP requests, while the HTTPS proxy can process HTTPS requests, providing better security. The SOCKS proxy can handle any type of request, including HTTP and HTTPS.
For the average user, HTTP and HTTPS proxy are enough to meet most of the needs. However, SOCKS proxy may be a better choice for users who need to handle special types of requests, such as P2P users.
Different types of proxy agreements also have their own advantages and disadvantages. HTTP and HTTPS proxy are generally easier to set up than SOCKS proxy, and they are also faster. However, the SOCKS proxy is more compatible and can handle more types of requests.
How to use the IP proxy
Select the appropriate IP proxy
When selecting an IP proxy, you should first determine your needs. If you just want to access some area-restricted websites, then any type of IP proxy can meet your needs. However, if you want to protect your privacy, then you will need to choose either an anonymous proxy or a high anonymous proxy. Also, you need to determine what type of request you need to handle, which will determine what type of proxy agreement you choose.
When selecting an IP proxy, you also need to consider the geographic location of the proxy server. Access is faster if the proxy server is located at the site you want to visit. In addition, the credibility of the proxy server is also very important. Some poor service providers may record your network activity, or install malware on your device.
Finally, you need to consider the price. Paid IP proxy usually provide better speed and stability, and also have better credibility. However, if your needs are not high, then a free IP proxy can also meet your needs.
Set up the IP proxy
Setting up the IP proxy is usually very simple. Most operating systems and browsers provide the option to set up proxy. You just need to enter the IP address and port number of the proxy server in the settings, and then save the settings. Some operating systems and browsers also support automatic configuration scripts, which you just need to provide their URL.
One thing to note when setting up an IP proxy is that if your proxy server needs a username and password then you need to enter this information in the settings. If your proxy server doesn't need a username and password, then you can leave these fields blank.
After setting up the IP proxy, you can test the proxy is working properly with some online tools. These tools usually display your public network IP address. If the IP address of the proxy server appears, then the proxy works properly.
Notes for using IP proxy
Although the IP proxy can provide a certain degree of privacy protection, but it does not fully guarantee your privacy security. First, the proxy server may record your network activity. While most service providers promise not to record users 'activities, we can't fully confirm whether they really do it.
Second, even if you use a high anonymous proxy, you may be identified by the target proxy. Some sites use special techniques to detect whether a user uses a proxy, such as detecting a user's HTTP header. If identified, the site may reject your request for access.
Finally, bad service providers may install malware on your device, or use your device for malicious activity. Therefore, when choosing a service provider, you must choose a good reputation.
Summary
IP proxy is a very useful tool to help us access locally restricted sites, protect our privacy and even speed up our web access. However, using IP proxy also requires some tips and precautions. Hopefully, through this article, you can have a deeper understanding of the IP proxy.
