> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://topgeartraining.gitbook.io/focus2learn/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://topgeartraining.gitbook.io/focus2learn/log-analysis/proxy-server.md).

# Proxy Server

A Proxy Server acts as a gateway between you and the internet.

### :heavy\_check\_mark: Intro

A **Proxy Server**, also known as **Application-Level Gateway.**

 is a dedicated computer or a software system running on a computer that acts as an intermediary between an endpoint device, such as a computer, and another server from which a user or client is requesting a service. The proxy server may exist in the same machine as a firewall server or it may be on a separate server, which forwards requests through the [firewall](https://searchsecurity.techtarget.com/definition/firewall). 

Proxy servers provide varying levels of **functionality, security, and privacy** depending on your use case, needs, or company policy.

![](https://1771079106-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-legacy-files/o/assets%2F-MQbAc68qKpvpcr7cwG8%2F-MS1nwlJV9s9qAyn6eW0%2F-MS1peEyLanF7UXiySqp%2Fimage.png?alt=media\&token=d33230f2-b418-49a5-bce9-caf898fc695a)

#### How Does The Proxy Server Operates?

* Every computer has its unique IP address which it uses to communicate with another node. 
* Similarly, the proxy server has its IP address that your computer knows.
* When a web request is sent, your request goes to the proxy server first. 
* The Proxy sends a request on your behalf to the internet and then collect the data and make it available to you. 
* A proxy can change your IP address So, the webserver will be unable to fetch your location in the world. 
* It protects data from getting hacked too. Moreover, it can block some web pages also.

![How-Does-The-Proxy-Server-Operates](https://media.geeksforgeeks.org/wp-content/cdn-uploads/20200714200713/How-Does-The-Proxy-Server-Operates.jpg)

> Proxy servers allow to hide, conceal and make your network id anonymous by hiding your IP address.

### :heavy\_check\_mark: Reasons to use Proxy Server

![](https://1771079106-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-legacy-files/o/assets%2F-MQbAc68qKpvpcr7cwG8%2F-MQbWZ0PVl_AglEkJhbE%2F-MQbZqgYuhQYzOUJSbEv%2Fimage.png?alt=media\&token=eb13e1c9-8f31-4ec9-9c47-a90785e77d06)

[Click Here](https://medium.com/consonance/proxies-an-in-depth-intro-4bb569326a34)