Types of proxies

A proxy server is an intermediary between your device and the internet. It helps to change your IP address, increases security, and allows bypassing blocks.

Main Types of Proxies

By connection type:

1. HTTP Proxy

• Works only with HTTP traffic (regular web pages).
• Does not provide encryption.

2. HTTPS Proxy (SSL Proxy)

• Supports the HTTPS protocol, allowing it to work with encrypted traffic.
• Used for secure web browsing.

3. SOCKS Proxy (SOCKS4, SOCKS5)

• A multifunctional type of proxy that supports any type of traffic (HTTP, FTP, P2P, gaming servers, etc.).
• SOCKS4 supports only TCP connections, without authentication.
• SOCKS5 supports both TCP and UDP connections, as well as encryption and authentication.
  Used for online gaming, anonymous browsing, parsing, etc.

By anonymity level:

1. Transparent Proxy

Anonymity level: Low
Features:

• The proxy server does not hide your real IP address.
• Websites can see your real IP address, even if you are using a proxy.

2. Anonymous Proxy

Anonymity level: Medium
Features:

• The proxy server hides your real IP address, but it still transmits some informational headers (e.g., it may indicate that you are using a proxy).
• This ensures a certain level of anonymity, but you can still be identified as a user operating through a proxy.

3. Elite Proxy

Anonymity level: High
Features:

• This type of proxy completely hides your real IP address and does not disclose the fact that you are using a proxy.
• Websites cannot tell that you are using a proxy and cannot detect your real IP address.
• Considered the highest level of anonymity among proxy servers.

4. Distorting Proxy

Anonymity level: Medium/High
Features:

• This type of proxy hides your real IP address and replaces it with a fake one (not real), which may mislead websites.
  

By number of users:

1. Dedicated Proxy

Features:

• Used by only one user.
• This is an exclusive access to the proxy server, so it is not shared with other users.
• Provides stability, speed, and a high level of anonymity.

2. Shared Proxy

Features:

• One proxy server is used by multiple users simultaneously.
• This type is usually cheaper because the cost of the proxy is shared among several users.
• Due to shared usage, speed may be less stable and slower.

3. Public Proxy

Features:

• These are free or open proxies available to all users.
• Usually, these proxies can be found on various websites that publish proxy server lists.
• They can be HTTP, HTTPS, or SOCKS.
• They typically have a low level of anonymity and do not guarantee high security or stability.
• There is a high likelihood that these proxies may be overloaded or blocked by many websites.