Proxies are tools that handle connections between end-users and websites. They offer a wide range of benefits to users, which has propelled them to become some of the most popular tools on the internet today.
A quick proxy search will bring up several options all claiming to offer the best services. If you are a newbie to the field, you may be at a loss in deciding the best proxy option for your needs. With this information in mind, this post breaks down the different types of proxy servers and explains how they work in great detail.
What Are Proxies and How They Work
So, how exactly do proxies work? In simple terms, they reroute your internet traffic by using alternative IP addresses. Therefore, when you utilize a proxy for browsing, it takes your request, replaces your IP, location, and other information, then sends it to the target website.
The feedback data will also pass through the proxy and be relayed to your device. In doing so, the proxy will ensure that websites do not have access to your IP address. This way, your online activity cannot be tied back to your IP.
Below are some of the most common types of proxy servers you can find.
Static Residential Proxies
Residential proxy is a household name in the world of proxies. In simple terms, a residential proxy uses IP addresses sourced from real devices that are connected to real internet service providers. This implies that when you utilize such tools, your traffic will seem like it’s coming from a regular user in a region of your choosing.
While residential proxies are efficient, static residential proxies are even better. Each user is assigned a dedicated IP address that ensures they are anonymous online. It is worth noting that these proxies can cost more than other proxy variants. Accordingly, the company has to pay the IP address providers since they are actual internet users. This might be useful in understanding static residential proxies in better detail.
Datacenter Proxies
These are some of the most common proxies today, perhaps due to their low price and efficiency. While residential proxies use IP addresses from real users, datacenter proxies use IPs generated from cloud servers located in different parts of the globe.
These proxies are best for gaming, content streaming, or any other scenario where you simply need a different IP address. Furthermore, they offer unlimited bandwidth and usually cost less than residential proxies. However, it is worth noting that they rank lower in reliability. That’s why it’s always recommended to go for premium options like the datacenter proxies at IPRoyal.
Sneaker Proxies
Are you a sneakerhead? Have you ever purchased sneakers from any website? If so, you will agree that getting your hands on a pair of sneakers today is nothing short of tiresome. Why? Most websites release limited edition sneakers that hype up demand, sometimes selling out in a matter of minutes. Therefore, you need to arm yourself with reliable sneaker bots and proxies to purchase these sneakers at record speeds.
However, most websites have state-of-the-art anti-bot mechanisms and will immediately ban your IP upon detection. Therefore, you should purchase a reliable sneaker proxy to ensure your bot activity remains anonymous. This way, your chances of getting detected while trying to get your hands on that elusive pair of sneakers using bots are lowered.
Mobile Proxies
A mobile proxy is essentially a phone or a tablet with access to the internet via an ISP. Since a mobile device gets a new IP address from an ISP’s “pool” of IPs whenever it connects to the internet, most websites and services don’t ban these even if they detect them as proxies. With that in mind, this type of proxy is a great option for managing multiple social media accounts from the same IP address.
Conclusion
From the information presented in this piece, it is evident that proxies are highly efficient and useful in different situations, from social media management to market research and beyond. While these tools are robust, you should keep in mind that the provider’s reliability will directly influence your experience with the proxy.
Therefore, you should only stick to reputable proxy service providers for all your needs. Finally, free proxies are never a good idea as there is always a catch. Often, you will find that the providers are selling your data to third parties.
