14.9 Proxy Servers

Question 1

1. What is the function of a proxy server?

Answer 1

A proxy server acts as a middleman between your computer and the internet, helping to keep your information private, improving security, and speeding up web access by caching frequently visited sites.

Question 2

A proxy server

Answer 2

A certain type of device or software that allows or denies network traffic to move across a network based on traffic content. It is often used to shape traffic and act as a firewall.

Question 3

2. What are the ways it can be used to manage network traffic?

Answer 3

It manages network traffic by load balancing requests among servers, filtering harmful content, caching web pages for faster access, allowing different systems to communicate, and monitoring network activity for security.

Question 4

3. What is the difference between a forward and a reverse proxy?

Answer 4

A forward proxy hides the user’s IP address and helps them access the internet safely, while a reverse proxy protects the server and directs user requests to the appropriate backend server.

Question 5

4. Where are the proxy settings on Windows?

Answer 5

In Windows 10/11, proxy settings are found under Settings > Network & Internet > Proxy, and in Windows 7/8, you can access them through Control Panel > Internet Options > Connections > LAN settings.