A proxy server is an intermediary server between a client requesting a resource and a server providing it. It has its own IP that users use to make web requests, get the response from the server, and direct the data to the destination.
Proxies have a number of uses based on their type and configuration. Common uses include regulating web requests, facilitating anonymous browsing, and bypassing geo-blocking. However, the vast number of proxies available often makes it difficult for both individuals and businesses to make the optimum choice to suit their needs.
In this post, we’ll cover the most common types of proxies, along with pros, cons, and use cases to help you choose or to buy proxy servers or others suiting your business needs.
Main Types of Proxy Servers
Different types of proxies are available to serve different purposes. Below are the main types of proxies:
Residential Proxy
A residential proxy is a proxy server that passes traffic through residential IP addresses, which are associated with actual homes and devices in different locations. It changes the IP of the connection request, allowing users to select a specific geographical region and anonymously use the Internet without getting blocked.
Residential proxies are of two types: static and rotating. Static proxies assign users a dedicated IP address that can be used for a long period of time. Rotating proxy servers, on the other hand, assign users with a different IP from a pool of proxies for each connection. As compared to static proxy servers, rotating proxies are more secure because of their changing nature.
Pros
- Access to geo-restricted content
- Anonymity and privacy
- Improved security
- High success rates
Cons
- Slower in speed
- Limited availability
Use Cases
- Web scraping
- Internet marketing
- Ad verification
- Circumvention of geo-restrictions
- Market price monitoring
- Competitive marketing analysis
- Social media management
Shared Datacenter Proxy
A shared datacenter proxy is a type of datacenter proxy server that provides an IP address to multiple users at one and the same time. When a user makes a request to the server in a different location, this proxy assigns the client any random address from the shared proxy pool linked to the target location.
This type of datacenter proxy is less costly than the other type because multiple users share the same bandwidth to exchange data between devices.
Pros
- Cost-effective
- A high degree of anonymity
- High performance
- Easy integration of web scraping tools
Cons
- Slow speed
- Less secure
Use Cases
- Data extraction
- Competitive analysis
- Search engine optimization
- Access to geo-blocked content
Dedicated Datacenter Proxy
Dedicated data proxies are another type of datacenter proxy server that works by replacing the original IP address with another one originating from a datacenter with many servers. Also called private datacenter proxies, these proxies assign a specific address to the user from the target location to be used by only one user.
Pros
- Stable speed and performance
- High scalability
- Advanced rotation
- Reasonable cost
Cons
- More prone to bans and blacklisting
- Limited global providers
- Unsuited for bulk data scraping
Use Cases
- Website testing
- Web scraping
- Social media account management
- Ad verification
Mobile Proxy
A mobile proxy is a secure gateway that connects users to the Internet by relaying incoming and outgoing requests through a network of mobile devices connected to a number of cellular networks. These proxy servers use dynamic IP addresses assigned by mobile network operators, which change every time a user sends a request to the server.
Ensuring anonymity online by assigning IP addresses through a mobile carrier to the user is the ultimate goal of mobile proxies. These proxies make it look as if the user is connected to the Internet through a mobile network, concealing their actual IP address.
Pros
- Speedier connections
- Additional security and anonymity
- No cookies
- Reliability
- Low risks of getting IP bans
- Access to localized content
Cons
- Limited control
- Higher cost
- Hard to manage
Use Cases
- Data scraping
- Price intelligence
- Lead generation
- Data mining
- Social media monitoring
ISP Proxy
Last but not least, an ISP proxy is a proxy that is purchased or leased through Internet Service Providers (ISPs). These addresses are hosted by servers located in datacenters but are identified by target websites as real users.
ISP proxies assign a new IP for each online request and secure user connection by concealing their location and address. A new IP address allows you to visit multiple websites without seeming suspicious.
Pros
- Vast IP pool
- Impressive uptime
- IP rotation options
- Unlimited bandwidth
- Higher anonymity
Cons
- Pricier than other services
- Fewer subnets
- Limited locations
Use Cases
- Web scraping
- Social media monitoring
- SEO monitoring
- Ad verification
Summary
There are endless proxy servers available to choose from; however, choosing the right type of proxy can get difficult at times. After understanding the main types of proxies, along with their advantages, disadvantages, and use cases, you’ll be well-equipped to purchase proxy servers.