Why do you need a proxy server?

Definition: What is a proxy server?

You will come across the term "proxy server" again and again when surfing. We clarify what a proxy server is.

A proxy server is a communication mediator in a computer network. It forwards inquiries (from the DNS client) via its own address, for example for calling up a website or downloading a file, to the corresponding recipient (server) without the two having to be directly connected to one another.
A pictorial comparison would be, for example, the waiter in a restaurant where you place your order: he accepts your request and forwards you to the kitchen without you having to contact the cook personally. Your answer, i.e. the dish you ordered, will be delivered to you in the same way.
With a proxy server you can not only filter your network communication and cache data, but also surf the internet anonymously. We'll explain these three options in more detail in the next section.

Proxy servers can be used for various purposes:

Anonymization: You can hide your own IP address by switching the proxy so that only the address and location of the proxy are visible to the other network participants. In order to surf anonymously with a proxy server, you have to pretend an incorrect internet address. Be careful though! The operator of a proxy server has full control over your session, can record all your communication and even manipulate web content.
Caching: Here, the proxy caches data so that recurring requests can be processed more quickly. If, for example, the client regularly requests the same Word document, this can be called up directly from the proxy server without having to connect to the actual target server. This often saves bandwidth and therefore money in companies.
Filtering: Proxy servers can also use filters to evaluate incoming requests and only allow certain types of requests to pass through. This is often the case in company networks where certain services, such as file sharing or game websites, are blocked.

If you are already using a proxy server, we will show you in our practical tip below how you can find out your proxy address.

Otherwise read here how to set up such a proxy server.