Proxy servers and VPNs (Virtual Private Networks) are both designed to keep you anonymous online. You can also use them to access websites and services unavailable to everyone because of censorship or other restrictions. Additionally, the IP location finder tool allows you to determine which server you use when using Surfshark VPN or proxy server. Moreover, it will enable you to discover a wide range of additional information about that server.
Anyhow, both proxy servers and virtual private networks have their advantages and weaknesses; some are better than others. But many internet users don’t know the difference between them. And don’t know how the IP location tool is helpful to find the details of the location of the servers.
Before discussing the difference between VPN and proxy servers, you should be clear about what these servers are. In this article, we will cover the concept of these servers. If you want to
Proxy Servers: What Are They?
Proxy servers are intermediary devices that serve as a link between your computer or device and the Internet. Using the proxy server, you can access websites, servers, and all kinds of internet services.
For example, if your web browser is configured to use a proxy server, you will not be able to access exampledomain.com directly.
Instead, it is forwarded to a proxy server. Upon receiving your web browser’s request, the proxy server forwards it to the exampledomain. Once the proxy’s server has sent requests to exampledomain homepage to your browser, the proxy server will deliver it to you.
Due to the fact that your web browser does not make the direct request, but rather the proxy server does, the website does not recognize your computer or device as a visitor. Instead of viewing the proxy server as a visitor, it considers it a client.
Proxy Servers: Pros and Cons
Advantages:
- The IP address of your computer is hidden from basic checks.
- Proxy servers also conceal your geographic location when you use them. Sites and services you access can see the location of the proxy server you use instead of your own.
- A proxy server can enhance your security by blocking malicious websites that distribute malware, depending on how it is configured.
- A proxy server can be used to access internet services that are geographically restricted.
- On the Internet, many free public proxy servers provide reliable services.
Dis Advantages:
- There is no encryption of your internet traffic by proxy servers.
- Whenever you use a proxy server, all your internet traffic passes through it.
- When you use a proxy server, your activity is monitored and logged, which can determine your identity and be harmful.
- There are many publicly available free proxy servers available on the internet. However, many of them are unreliable.
VPN Proxy Servers: What Are They?
Virtual Private Networks, also known as VPNs, are secure networks that connect your computer to a VPN server over the Internet. This connection encrypts all network traffic, so only your computer and the VPN server know what websites or internet services you access.
For example, if you use a VPN and attempt to visit www.exampledomain.com, the request is encrypted and sent to the VPN server. After receiving your request, the VPN server decrypts it to determine what you wish to accomplish.
Conclusion
Both proxy servers and VPNs offer anonymity and access to restricted sites. The IP location tool is useful to find details of the server location. While proxy servers are easy to use and free, they don’t encrypt internet traffic and can be unreliable. VPNs, on the other hand, offer encryption and better security, but can be more expensive. It’s essential to understand the difference between these servers to make an informed decision.
