Proxy server: To Forward or Not
The need for security and performance in these ever-growing interconnected networks gave birth to the proxy server. A proxy server is just another computer or program that acts as a middleman between transacting parties. So how does it provide security? The proxy server acts on behalf of someone else's request. Just imagine the proxy server as your dad. Let's say you're still very young, you like toys, and you're with your dad in a toy store. Upon seeing the multitude of toys from so many racks, you will request your dad to buy you some toys. Of course, you're dad will give in to your requests based on some conditions. One condition would be the necessity. The toy that you requested might be helpful to you. Another condition would be safety. If the toy can harm you, then your request will definitely be denied. The same thing applies to a proxy server. It enforces specific rules or conditions as to when to allow specific requests to pass through from external networks. Some requests can be harmful to the system and it's up to the proxy server to deny such requests. So how does it improve performance? It can be compared to a secretary. For example, you're one of the top executives and you have a secretary who always handles all the calls. At a particular day, you have to finish a very important report that is due in a couple of hours. As an executive, you also have to handle important client calls. But, on that day, your report takes priority. Your secretary knows about your deadline and acts accordingly. For any client call that she receives, she can inform the client that you're not available. She has the option of taking any messages or transferring the call to someone else, especially if that person can handle such call. The same thing happens with the proxy server. It does some filtering of all incoming requests. Some requests can pass through or be forwarded to something else. Other requests can be denied, especially if they are harmful to the system. To explain more on the performance, let's say there are 100 requests to the destined server. Upon inspection of the proxy server, only 50 requests are valid. The other 50 requests will be refused access. Instead of processing 100 requests, the destined server will only do 50, which translates to a 50% performance saving. The system that is not running on full capacity at any particular time is a system that is more responsive to all incoming requests. In today's world, proxy servers are everywhere and serving a very important role. The need for a robust security and a fast and reliable performing system defines proxy servers as invaluable tool.About the Author:
Peter Garant has written many articles about Proxy Sites for a recently launched website about Proxy Sites. Visit Proxy server: To Forward or Not.
Author: Robert