What is an HTTP Proxy Server?

Simply put, an HTTP proxy server is a proxy server that allows you to do work online using the HTTP protocol. Some of the proxy servers of this kind would also allow you to work using FTP but that isn't always the case. Like other proxy servers, this one also caches information that goes through from the Internet. It is simply a server that allows you to access information and services on the Internet using these protocols.

Anonymous Surfing and the HTTP Proxy Server

One of the fundamental goals of using proxy servers is to provide a degree of security by making one's surfing and online activities anonymous. HTTP proxy servers allow different levels of anonymity, which really depends on what it would really be used for. However, at times, anonymity isn't always a requirement for a specific online function. These are the different types of anonymity that this kind of proxy server can give you.

Classifying HTTP Proxy Servers

Transparent: This isn't really anonymity at all since your proxy server isn't even hiding your IP address. On this level, your proxy server is merely caching information that passes through regularly. The typical need covered by this function would simply involve supporting the Internet access of several network computers that are on a single Internet connection.

Anonymous: Given this level of anonymity or this function, this proxy server allows you to work online without disclosing your IP address. However, do take note that given this function, your web server knows that your proxy server is not passing along your unique IP address. The web server is also notified of the proxy that is in place. This can be seen as your standard level of anonymity while online.

Distorting: This type of HTTP proxy server works like the one described above but only takes its function a notch higher. Your IP address is not compromised and is not disclosed to the web server. In place of your real IP address a phantom or randomly generated IP address is passed as yours. Thus, taking it from the web server's point of view, your real IP address is distorted.

High Anonymous: This takes anonymity another step forward. Like the former two, your real IP address is also not disclosed to your web server. However, with this proxy server, the web server is also not informed that you are using a proxy. Thus it would appear that the web server is working directly with your client computer when there is actually a proxy mediating.

Of course, there are other ways to classify HTTP proxy servers other than the ones we have mentioned above. These proxy servers are quite commonly used by many online users. There is a huge amount of support for these proxy servers among many applications and platforms