Different proxies perform different functions and are used for various reasons. For instance, while datacenter proxies are used exclusively because of their high speed and unrivaled performance, residential proxies are mostly employed because of their ability to allocate multiple localized internet protocol (IP) addresses and locations to users, thereby allowing limitless access to all websites and servers on the internet.
The growing popularity of proxies is linked directly to the uncertainties and limitations associated with using the internet. Sometimes, it is the data breaches, risks, and insecurities that come with being on the internet; other times, it is the restrictions that websites and servers put up to prevent some users from interacting with their content.
Regardless, these troubles have made it almost mandatory for online businesses to constantly use proxies to be safe and successful online.
What Is A Proxy?
A proxy can be defined as a piece of the computer that sits anywhere between you and the internet. Its role is to act as a middleman and pass your requests to the target servers and results.
As such, this intermediary software mediates between you and the web using its IP address proxies and location to transfer communications back and forth.
The importance of this is to protect you and your data while also making sure you gain access to whichever content you need on the internet. They work to keep you anonymous and your activities private. They also act as content filters or firewalls while removing restrictions and limitations.
Main Types Of Proxies
Proxies may all work similarly by standing between users and the internet and transferring communications seamlessly and securely. Yet, there are several types, with each having its unique features and characteristics. Below are some of the main types of proxies:
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Transparent Proxy
This type of proxy is common and used the same way a regular computer is used. Hence it comes with the expected details and can help transfer requests and return results. However, it does all that while letting the whole internet know you are using a proxy. Moreover, while transferring your requests, a transparent proxy also ensures your IP and location along. This can easily expose you to the many challenges of surfing the internet, including revealing your identity, theft of identity, blocking and other kinds of attacks.
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Anonymous Proxy
This type of proxy works well to conceal your details and make your activities untraceable. An anonymous proxy works by masking your online identity while interacting with the target website. They are mostly used by clients who only desire anonymity as they browse the internet.
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Datacenter Proxy
A datacenter proxy is a private type of proxy. It is owned and maintained by a third-party proxy provider rather than an internet service provider (ISP). The implication of this is that their IP address is not tied to an actual location but appears to be virtually generated. This type of proxy may therefore stand the chance of getting banned when used for the wrong purposes.
However, when used correctly, a datacenter proxy can deliver the best speed and performance. They can help you quickly and easily gather a large amount of data at a very cheap rate.
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Residential Proxy
This type of proxy is built and owned by an ISP and can assign you with an IP and location that is tied to a physical place. When it is used, the proxy appears to the internet as an actual internet user.
This proxy can therefore allow you access to any corner of the internet. However, this does not come cheaply.
Residential Proxies And Their Use Cases
As described above, a residential proxy is usually equipped with carefully selected IPs usually tied to physical addresses. This means that when on the internet, they appear as real internet users instead of bots.
This makes residential proxies the best fit for any case that involves overcoming geographical limitations and restrictions. For instance, if you are trying to buy an exclusive art showcase ticket in France from a restricted location. An easy way to do it would be to use a residential proxy France which would remove any restrictions and grant you quick access.
Consequently, there are several use cases for residential proxies, including the following:
- For improving brand security with almost zero chances of experiencing data breach or theft
- For gathering and collecting data such as marketing data and analytics from key marketplaces like Amazon
- For running and managing multiple emails and social media accounts without the chances of getting your emails thrown into the Spam folder or your accounts deleted
- For performing operations at faster speeds and saving bandwidth at the same time
- Residential proxies can also be used for bypassing geo-restrictions and accessing restricted contents, as it is with the case of using proxy France to access restricted contents in France.
ConclusionÂ
Using a residential proxy may be expensive, especially for smaller businesses and individuals; however, it does make it difficult to be detected or banned online. Also, it makes it possible for you to access the internet regardless of limitations and restrictions.
