Essential Concepts - Types of Proxy Server

Before reading this article, I suggest you to read my previous article on What is a proxy and How the proxy works. Here, we will see the different types of proxy used in daily life.

Proxies are defined into different categories based on the level of anonymity and functions it provides.

You may see references to four different types of proxy servers:

• Transparent Proxy

  This type of proxy server identifies itself as a proxy server and also makes the original IP address available through the http headers. These are generally used for their ability to cache websites and do not provide any anonymity to those who use them. However, the use of a transparent proxy will get you around simple IP bans. They are transparent in the terms that your IP address is exposed, not transparent in the terms that you do not know that you are using it (your system is not specifically configured to use it.)

• Anonymous Proxy

  This type of proxy server identifies itself as a proxy server, but does not make the original IP address available. This type of proxy server is detectable, but provides reasonable anonymity for most users.

• Distorting Proxy

  This type of proxy server identifies itself as a proxy server, but make an incorrect original IP address available through the http headers.

• High Anonymity Proxy

  This type of proxy server does not identify itself as a proxy server and does not make available the original IP address.