What is HTTP Proxy
An HTTP proxy is a server that acts as a middleman between a client and a server. When a client makes a request, the HTTP proxy intercepts the request and forwards it to the target server. Once the target server responds, the HTTP proxy intercepts the response and forwards it back to the client. HTTP proxies can be used in a variety of scenarios, such as enhancing security, caching content to speed up access, accessing restricted resources, and more. In this article, we will discuss the role of HTTP proxies, types, and how to set them up.
The role of HTTP proxy
The main function of HTTP proxy is to intercept network requests and responses between clients and servers and then forward them. HTTP proxy can be used in the following scenarios:
Enhanced security: HTTP proxies can intercept and inspect requests and responses, filtering out unsafe or harmful content while protecting the privacy and security of both the client and the server.
Improve performance: HTTP proxies can cache frequently used content, thereby speeding up responses. When a client requests the same content, the HTTP proxy can return the response directly from the cache without re-requesting the server. This can significantly increase page loading speed and reduce server load.
Access to restricted resources: Some resources may be restricted due to geographic location, policies, permissions, etc. HTTP proxies can forward requests and responses, allowing clients to bypass these restrictions and access restricted resources.
Types of HTTP proxies
HTTP proxies can be divided into the following types:
Forward proxy: A forward proxy (also called a forward proxy) is a proxy server between the client and the server. The client sends a request to the proxy server, which forwards the request to the target server and forwards the target server's response back to the client. Forward proxies are often used to enhance security, cache content to speed up access, and access restricted resources.
Reverse proxy: A reverse proxy (also called a backward proxy) is a proxy server between a server and a client. The client sends a request to the reverse proxy server, which forwards the request to the real server and forwards the response from the real server back to the client. Reverse proxies are often used in scenarios such as load balancing, high availability, and enhanced security.
Transparent proxy: A transparent proxy is a proxy server that does not make any modifications to requests and responses. It is completely transparent. The client does not know that the request is proxied, and the server does not know that the response is proxied. Transparent proxies are often used to cache content to speed up access.
HTTP Proxy Settings
HTTP proxy acquisition method 1: self-build:
Choose a proxy server: First, you need to choose a suitable proxy server. There are usually some public proxy servers that can be used, or you can build a proxy server yourself.
Configure the proxy server: Once you have selected a proxy server, you need to configure the proxy server. Different proxy servers may have different configuration methods, but usually you need to configure the proxy server's IP address and port number.
Configure the client: The client needs to know the address and port number of the proxy server so that it can send requests to the proxy server. Each client may be configured differently, but it can usually be configured in the network settings of the browser or operating system.
HTTP proxy acquisition method 2, proxy IP acquisition:
For proxy IP providers, first ask for a test package, and then purchase a paid package if you are satisfied with the test. Currently on the market, the mainstream [unlimited IP package] is relatively low in terms of both fee and price.
In Windows 10, the steps to configure HTTP proxy are as follows:
Open the Settings app and tap Network & Internet.
Click Proxy, and then under Manual proxy setup, select Use a proxy server.
Enter the proxy server's IP address and port number, then click Save.
In macOS, the steps to configure HTTP proxy are as follows:
Open System Preferences and click Network.
Select the network connection you are using, then click Advanced.
Click "Proxy" and select "Manual proxy configuration."
Enter the proxy server IP address and port number, and then click OK.
To configure HTTP proxy in your browser, follow these steps:
In Chrome browser:
Click the menu icon and select “Settings.”
Click Advanced, then select System.
Under Proxy settings, select Open proxy settings.
Select Manual proxy configuration under LAN settings and enter the IP address and port number of the proxy server.
In Firefox browser:
Click the menu icon and select “Options.”
Click Advanced, then select Network.
Under Connections, select Settings, and then select Manual proxy configuration.
Enter the proxy server IP address and port number, and then click OK.
In summary, the steps to configure an HTTP proxy may be slightly different depending on the proxy server and client you are using. If you encounter any problems, you can check the documentation of the proxy server or contact the proxy server provider for help.
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