Proxy and SOCKS - How Do They Work?

Proxy – How It Works

A proxy server is an intermediary server that is used to send requests made by clients who want to ask for information online but do not want to reveal their own IP address. Thus, they use a proxy server to request for a connection to any site, page, or file located online.

Here’s how it works:
  • Any user who wants to use a proxy server should first connect to the proxy server to acquire the PAC or Proxy Automatic Configuration file. The server then returns "proxy" to configure the browser. Once the user requests connection to a web site or web page using a URL entered on the browser, the browser retrieves the URL through the said proxy server. Once the source server sees the request, it sends the information to the proxy server and the proxy server then sends it to the end user.
  • Using proxy servers allow web users to conduct their online activities without revealing their IP addresses and any other information about themselves. Due to this, proxy servers are most widely used for security purposes.

SOCKS – How They Work

SOCKS is an Internet protocol that proxy servers use to implement requests made by users who belong to a single network. It is responsible for allowing or rejecting requests for connection before the end user can gain access into the network or to the requested information. All requests are handled from inside the network firewall and are evaluated based on the specific destination and the identification of the end user. This protocol uses sockets to track individual connections within a network and this is why it is called SOCKS. Once the SOCKS approves the connection request, information flows as usual through the HTTP protocol.

As an example, take a user who wants to communicate with another person over the Internet. However, his computer belongs to a network with a firewall that keeps him from connecting to the other person. Since the user cannot bypass the firewall himself, he can connect to a SOCKS proxy on his network and specify what kind of connection he wishes to make. The SOCKS proxy then opens up that connection and allows the user to communicate with the other person without removing the firewall protection. The communication is carried out over the SOCKS proxy only.

SOCKS operates mainly on proxy servers and is widely supported by most web browsers and also by some instant messaging applications.