Shared Proxies: What are They? – Blog | Oxylabs
Shared proxies are IP addresses that are used by multiple users at the same time. Shared proxies are considered to be inferior in comparison to private proxies. However, shared proxies can be suitable for the majority of tasks online. Shared proxies tend to be the cheapest type of proxies.
As you probably already know, your IP address is like your ID which contains all important information about you. So, if you are looking for an answer on how to hide IP address and stay anonymous when extracting data from the internet, you’ll be needing proxies.
There are a few different types of proxies one can look into. If you have the time, we invite you to read learn more about these proxies:
What are residential proxies? What are datacenter proxies? Are shared proxies safe to use? Shared vs. private proxies
We even made a video, so make sure to check it out:
When it comes to shared proxies, they are mostly used by people who simply want to browse the web anonymously and bypass web filters. You may also use them to connect to websites from a specific location. For example, if you wish to appear as a user from Canada, you could use Canadian proxies.
In this article, we’re taking a closer look at the most essential pros and cons of shared proxies. After all, if you’re interested in buying them, you need to know what you’re getting into. You can also check out the descriptions of many other proxy types in our in-depth blog post.
Shared proxies can be used to browse the web anonymously, to access specific content on certain media streaming services or to bypass geo-restrictions by using proxies from a given location, such as a United Kingdom proxy. Although if you are looking for ways to increase your anonymity on the web for individual use, using a VPN might prove to be a better solution, as discussed in our blog post Proxy vs VPN.
Shared proxies vs. semi dedicated proxies
When speaking about shared proxies, we have to mention semi dedicated proxies as well.
A semi-dedicated proxy is also a shared proxy, but its provider limits the number of users sharing that proxy. Usually, only a few people get access to the same IP, so when using semi dedicated proxies, you can expect better performance and speed.
The benefits of using shared proxies
Less expensive
The main advantage of shared proxies is that they are usually less expensive than dedicated proxies. This is the usual reason that some people choose to use a shared proxy providers are selling the same IPs to several users, it’s a lot cheaper to maintain shared proxy servers. Providers can split the costs and offer a lower price. In some cases, shared proxies can be a viable option for the beginners to experiment until realizing the exact needs for their project while keeping the starting costs on the lower side.
Good with most scraping tools
Shared proxies can be useful when using specific web scraping tools, as long as the target website doesn’t block the assigned IP address.
Highly anonymous
Let’s not forget that shared proxies offer high anonymity because with multiple users sharing the same IP address it’s almost impossible to identify a single user.
Efficient
It can be argued that using a shared IP can be as efficient and effective as semi dedicated or private proxies. Obviously, it all goes down to the user’s needs, but if you choose to obtain shared proxies from a reputable proxy provider, usually it is granted that the provider will optimize the use of shared proxies to suit every single user.
Things you should keep in mind
Although shared proxies have a lot of benefits, there are some things that you should keep in mind.
Sharing bandwidth with other users
Unlike with dedicated proxies where you have all the bandwidth to yourself when using shared proxies, you’ll have to share the performance with other users. That’s why these proxies can be a bit slower.
The bad neighbor effect
Since you share the same IP addresses with a bunch of other people, there’s a risk that one of them will do something illegal, and the entire IP address will get banned limiting your access to that site as well. This phenomenon is known as “the bad neighbor effect. ”
Reliability
Using a shared IP also carries the risk of it being unreliable. Due to the fact that many users might be using the same proxy to access the web, it might became too slow or even completely unresponsive.
Captchas
If too many users with the same shared proxy try to use Google at the same time, the search engine might see it as spam and respond by displaying a captcha message. This is very common when using a shared IP.
Conclusion
So what is a shared proxy? To sum up, shared proxies are used by organizations and companies for filtering content, as well as by private persons for unblocking restricted content and browsing the internet anonymously.
When it comes to choosing a shared proxy over a dedicated one, it all depends on your needs. Dedicated proxies are faster and offer great performance, while shared ones are cheaper. You can find more information about the differences between dedicated IP vs shared IP in our other blog posts.
If you’re not sure if shared proxies are the right choice for you or your business, book a call with our sales team, and we’ll help you decide.
People also ask
What is a static proxy?
Static proxies are datacenter IPs that are assigned via a contract by an Internet Service Provider (ISP). And as the name “static” implies, it allows you to operate as a residential user with the same IP for as long as needed. Read more to find out what are static proxies.
What is proxy rotation?
If the proxy server is configured correctly, it is possible to rotate IP addresses from a proxy pool (list) of IP addresses. Thanks to proxy rotation, numerous connections can be managed from a single device. This makes it possible to scrape websites with higher success rate.
What is better, a proxy or a VPN?
Although proxies can be just as efficient for those seeking anonymity, using a VPN is generally recommended for private individuals.
Do proxies hide your IP?
Yes, proxies do hide your real IP address and in a lot of cases this is their main function. However, you should also know that there are plenty of other uses for proxies in which hiding the user’s original IP address is only secondary to some other goal.
Mantas Miksenas is an Inbound Sales Team Lead who believes he needs to keep moving forward by pushing the limits. The tech industry compliments the latter aim as it expands boundaries and helps to build the future. While he pushes his limits, he likes to put on a soundtrack of smooth Jazz and improvisational music to keep himself energized.
All information on Oxylabs Blog is provided on an “as is” basis and for informational purposes only. We make no representation and disclaim all liability with respect to your use of any information contained on Oxylabs Blog or any third-party websites that may be linked therein. Before engaging in scraping activities of any kind you should consult your legal advisors and carefully read the particular website’s terms of service or receive a scraping license.
What is a Proxy Server? How It Works & How to Use It | Fortinet
What Is a Proxy Server?
A proxy server provides a gateway between users and the internet. It is a server, referred to as an “intermediary” because it goes between end-users and the web pages they visit online.
When a computer connects to the internet, it uses an IP address. This is similar to your home’s street address, telling incoming data where to go and marking outgoing data with a return address for other devices to authenticate. A proxy server is essentially a computer on the internet that has an IP address of its own.
Proxy Servers and Network Security
Proxies provide a valuable layer of security for your computer. They can be set up as web filters or firewalls, protecting your computer from internet threats like malware.
This extra security is also valuable when coupled with a secure web gateway or other email security products. This way, you can filter traffic according to its level of safety or how much traffic your network—or individual computers—can handle.
How to use a proxy? Some people use proxies for personal purposes, such as hiding their location while watching movies online, for example. For a company, however, they can be used to accomplish several key tasks such as:
Improve security
Secure employees’ internet activity from people trying to snoop on them
Balance internet traffic to prevent crashes
Control the websites employees and staff access in the office
Save bandwidth by caching files or compressing incoming traffic
How a Proxy Works
Because a proxy server has its own IP address, it acts as a go-between for a computer and the internet. Your computer knows this address, and when you send a request on the internet, it is routed to the proxy, which then gets the response from the web server and forwards the data from the page to your computer’s browser, like Chrome, Safari, Firefox, or Microsoft Edge
How to Get a Proxy
There are hardware and software versions. Hardware connections sit between your network and the internet, where they get, send, and forward data from the web. Software proxies are typically hosted by a provider or reside in the cloud. You download and install an application on your computer that facilitates interaction with the proxy.
Often, a software proxy can be obtained for a monthly fee. Sometimes, they are free. The free versions tend to offer users fewer addresses and may only cover a few devices, while the paid proxies can meet the demands of a business with many devices.
How Is the Server Set Up?
To get started with a proxy server, you have to configure it in your computer, device, or network. Each operating system has its own setup procedures, so check the steps required for your computer or network.
In most cases, however, setup means using an automatic configuration script. If you want to do it manually, there will be options to enter the IP address and the appropriate port.
How Does the Proxy Protect Computer Privacy and Data?
A proxy server performs the function of a firewall and filter. The end-user or a network administrator can choose a proxy designed to protect data and privacy. This examines the data going in and out of your computer or network. It then applies rules to prevent you from having to expose your digital address to the world. Only the proxy’s IP address is seen by hackers or other bad actors. Without your personal IP address, people on the internet do not have direct access to your personal data, schedules, apps, or files.
With it in place, web requests go to the proxy, which then reaches out and gets what you want from the internet. If the server has encryption capabilities, passwords and other personal data get an extra tier of protection.
Benefits of a Proxy Server
Proxies come with several benefits that can give your business an advantage:
Enhanced security: Can act like a firewall between your systems and the internet. Without them, hackers have easy access to your IP address, which they can use to infiltrate your computer or network.
Private browsing, watching, listening, and shopping: Use different proxies to help you avoid getting inundated with unwanted ads or the collection of IP-specific data.
Access to location-specific content: You can designate a proxy server with an address associated with another country. You can, in effect, make it look like you are in that country and gain full access to all the content computers in that country are allowed to interact with.
Prevent employees from browsing inappropriate or distracting sites: You can use it to block access to websites that run contrary to your organization’s principles. Also, you can block sites that typically end up distracting employees from important tasks. Some organizations block social media sites like Facebook and others to remove time-wasting temptations.
Types of Proxy Servers
While all proxy servers give users an alternate address with which to use the internet, there are several different kinds—each with its own features.
Forward Proxy
A forward proxy sits in front of clients and is used to get data to groups of users within an internal network. When a request is sent, the proxy server examines it to decide whether it should proceed with making a connection.
A forward proxy is best suited for internal networks that need a single point of entry. It provides IP address security for those in the network and allows for straightforward administrative control. However, a forward proxy may limit an organization’s ability to cater to the needs of individual end-users.
Transparent Proxy
A transparent proxy can give users an experience identical to what they would have if they were using their home computer. In that way, it is “transparent. ” They can also be “forced” on users, meaning they are connected without knowing it.
Transparent proxies are well-suited for companies that want to make use of a proxy without making employees aware they are using one. It carries the advantage of providing a seamless user experience. On the other hand, transparent proxies are more susceptible to certain security threats, such as SYN-flood denial-of-service attacks.
Anonymous Proxy
An anonymous proxy focuses on making internet activity untraceable. It works by accessing the internet on behalf of the user while hiding their identity and computer information.
A transparent proxy is best suited for users who want to have full anonymity while accessing the internet. While transparent proxies provide some of the best identity protection possible, they are not without drawbacks. Many view the use of transparent proxies as underhanded, and users sometimes face pushback or discrimination as a result.
High Anonymity Proxy
A high anonymity proxy is an anonymous proxy that takes anonymity one step further. It works by erasing your information before the proxy attempts to connect to the target site.
The server is best suited for users for whom anonymity is an absolute necessity, such as employees who do not want their activity traced back to the organization. On the downside, some of them, particularly the free ones, are decoys set up to trap users in order to access their personal information or data.
Distorting Proxy
A distorting proxy identifies itself as a proxy to a website but hides its own identity. It does this by changing its IP address to an incorrect one.
Distorting proxies are a good choice for people who want to hide their location while accessing the internet. This type of proxy can make it look like you are browsing from a specific country and give you the advantage of hiding not just your identity but that of the proxy, too. This means even if you are associated with the proxy, your identity is still secure. However, some websites automatically block distorting proxies, which could keep an end-user from accessing sites they need.
Data Center Proxy
Data center proxies are not affiliated with an internet service provider (ISP) but are provided by another corporation through a data center. The proxy server exists in a physical data center, and the user’s requests are routed through that server.
Data center proxies are a good choice for people who need quick response times and an inexpensive solution. They are therefore a good choice for people who need to gather intelligence on a person or organization very quickly. They carry the benefit of giving users the power to swiftly and inexpensively harvest data. On the other hand, they do not offer the highest level of anonymity, which may put users’ information or identity at risk.
Residential Proxy
A residential proxy gives you an IP address that belongs to a specific, physical device. All requests are then channeled through that device.
Residential proxies are well-suited for users who need to verify the ads that go on their website, so you can block cookies, suspicious or unwanted ads from competitors or bad actors. Residential proxies are more trustworthy than other proxy options. However, they often cost more money to use, so users should carefully analyze whether the benefits are worth the extra investment.
Public Proxy
A public proxy is accessible by anyone free of charge. It works by giving users access to its IP address, hiding their identity as they visit sites.
Public proxies are best suited for users for whom cost is a major concern and security and speed are not. Although they are free and easily accessible, they are often slow because they get bogged down with free users. When you use a public proxy, you also run an increased risk of having your information accessed by others on the internet.
Shared Proxy
Shared proxies are used by more than one user at once. They give you access to an IP address that may be shared by other people, and then you can surf the internet while appearing to browse from a location of your choice.
Shared proxies are a solid option for people who do not have a lot of money to spend and do not necessarily need a fast connection. The main advantage of a shared proxy is its low cost. Because they are shared by others, you may get blamed for someone else’s bad decisions, which could get you banned from a site.
SSL Proxy
A secure sockets layer (SSL) proxy provides decryption between the client and the server. As the data is encrypted in both directions, the proxy hides its existence from both the client and the server.
These proxies are best suited for organizations that need enhanced protection against threats that the SSL protocol reveals and stops. Because Google prefers servers that use SSL, an SSL proxy, when used in connection with a website, may help its search engine ranking. On the downside, content encrypted on an SSL proxy cannot be cached, so when visiting websites multiple times, you may experience slower performance than you would otherwise.
Rotating Proxy
A rotating proxy assigns a different IP address to each user that connects to it. As users connect, they are given an address that is unique from the device that connected before it.
Rotating proxies are ideal for users who need to do a lot of high-volume, continuous web scraping. They allow you to return to the same website again and again anonymously. However, you have to be careful when choosing rotating proxy services. Some of them contain public or shared proxies that could expose your data.
Reverse Proxy
Unlike a forward proxy, which sits in front of clients, a reverse proxy is positioned in front of web servers and forwards requests from a browser to the web servers. It works by intercepting requests from the user at the network edge of the web server. It then sends the requests to and receives replies from the origin server.
Reverse proxies are a strong option for popular websites that need to balance the load of many incoming requests. They can help an organization reduce bandwidth load because they act like another web server managing incoming requests. The downside is reverse proxies can potentially expose the HTTP server architecture if an attacker is able to penetrate it. This means network administrators may have to beef up or reposition their firewall if they are using a reverse proxy.
Proxy Server vs. VPN
On the surface, proxy servers and virtual private networks (VPNs) may seem interchangeable because they both route requests and responses through an external server. Both also allow you to access websites that would otherwise block the country you’re physically located in. However, VPNs provide better protection against hackers because they encrypt all traffic.
Choosing VPN or Proxy
If you need to constantly access the internet to send and receive data that should be encrypted or if your company has to reveal data you must hide from hackers and corporate spies, a VPN would be a better choice.
If an organization merely needs to allow its users to browse the internet anonymously, a proxy server may do the trick. This is the better solution if you simply want to know which websites team members are using or you want to make sure they have access to sites that block users from your country.
A VPN is better suited for business use because users usually need secure data transmission in both directions. Company information and personnel data can be very valuable in the wrong hands, and a VPN provides the encryption you need to keep it protected. For personal use where a breach would only affect you, a single user, a proxy server may be an adequate choice. You can also use both technologies simultaneously, particularly if you want to limit the websites that users within your network visit while also encrypting their communications.
How Fortinet Can Help
FortiGate has the capability of both proxies and VPNs. It shields users from data breaches that often happen with high-speed traffic and uses IPsec and SSL to enhance security. FortiGate also harnesses the power of the FortiASIC hardware accelerator to enhance performance without compromising privacy. Secure your network with FortiGate VPN and proxy capabilities. Contact us to learn more.
Guide to Assigning Proxy Server for PS4 | Blog | Limeproxies
QUICK LINKS:
The need for proxy servers
How to add proxy servers to PS4
STEPS TO SET UP PROXY SERVER FOR PS4
What is a Proxy server?
A Proxy Server is an intermediary which is used for communication between two computers. Web Proxy is a server which acquires information from the source server and provides it to the website [using the proxy server] which wants the information. A proxy is anything that replaces the original one. For example, when actors in films or serials are absent due to any problem or illness then proxy artists are used to replace them. A Proxy server acts as a link between the user’s PC and the source PC’s network [or blocked website needs to be accessed]. Proxy server hides the internet user’s real identity online.
Users connect the computer to a proxy server and then look up blocked websites. Because the blocked website doesn’t know to whom it is sending the information to. The proxy server completes the total process and doesn’t let the blocked website know.
Learn how to buy private proxies
Before configuring the PS4 with the proxy server it is important to know the reasons behind using proxy servers.
\*\*The need for proxy servers\*\*
Now Playstations can also be played by using proxy servers as they have a lot of advantages.
It helps towards slow lagging internet speed.
PS4 or any Playstation is specially designed to play games and have the best gaming experience. Therefore, the primary requirement to have a world-class gaming experience is a smooth and uninterrupted internet connection. It is very irritating when a gamer loses internet connection or faces lags in connections during very interesting and exciting situations of the game. But if a PS4 gamer also uses a proxy server as a PC gamer then he will not have to worry about lags and connection losses. The proxy server will be the channel between the user’s PS console and the gaming server and ensures that non-stop internet connection is being provided. This, in turn, provides unhindered gaming experience.
Special gaming proxy servers provide a great uptime for enhanced gaming experiences.
Uptime basically means the number of hours the proxy server was working from the providing centre without any malfunction represented in percentage. Good gaming proxy servers provide 99. 998% uptime. So gamers will not have to pause gaming sessions due to a good uptime. Normal servers don’t have good uptime so game updates need to be paused. Therefore, proxy servers need to be used in order to get a good game play.
Fast Internet Connection using Proxy Servers
The source server from which the internet connection is being taken has a huge speed to give games the ultimate game play. Some gaming servers provide speed up to 1GBps that will make playing games more exciting.
Multilocation Login for Players
There are many games which hold competitions or worldwide matches in different countries. Sometimes gamers are unable to participate due to different problems. But using proxy servers you can setup any place in any country as your location and play there. In this way, you can participate in any competition. Also, there are online gamers all around the world and using proxy server a gamer can play with any gamer friend from any part of the world. Often it is seen that normal gaming servers divide gaming zones but Proxy servers will take a gamer to any part of the world even outside his gaming zone.
Access Blocked gaming sites
Proxy servers will not let the gaming server know who is visiting their site and who wants to collect the information from their site. Hence, instead of a normal server or Internet Service Provider if a proxy server is used then the blocked site will allow the user to access the site.
hidden IP address using proxy servers
So there will be anonymity provided to the gamer. And no one online will be able to trace the user and hence he will be hidden from other gamers. This provides complete secrecy to the gamer. By being anonymous and hidden one will be safe from any kind of threats online. Cases have been reported in the recent past where IP addresses have been used to track the person and his identity is stolen and even personal information and online accounts have been hacked. Moreover, gamers can also play games in places where play games of accessing such sites are banned.
Proxy servers provide P2P or peer to peer facility which is required for fast torrent downloads. P2P is such a facility where two computers help each other to download web contents like games or game updates faster than normal speed. Most of the proxy server providers have this facility and users must choose them.
How to add proxy servers to PS4?
A play station is a video game console first made its appearance in the year of 1994. Its developers are Sony Interactive Entertainment. With development over the years, they have launched Playstation 4 in the year 2013. Playstation Portable or PSP is the first version and then came PS2, PS3 and eventually PS4. Over the years they have developed the graphics, processor, operating system, the controllers and many more. Till 2017 73. 6million packages of PS4 have been shipped. The sales are increasing day by day due to the excellent game play, wonderful graphics, and live streaming features and thousands of new games and many more features. Gamers are going to become more professional, more addicted and more experienced.
The PS4 configurations:
The CPU or the processor
Semi Custom 8-core AMD x86-64 Jaguar 1. 6GHz CPU
The Operating system
Playstation 4 Software specially developed for PS4 only.
Storage
500GB or 1TB hard drive, users can also upgrade from 500GB, Supports SSD also
Memory
8 GB GDDRS 256 MB DDR3 RAM
Display
HDMI \\\\[ available in versions – 480p, 720p, 1080p and 4K video and picture quality]
Graphics
Semi-custom AMD GCN Radeon
Controller input
Dualshock 4 controllers, Playstation Move, Playstation Vita
Connectivity
802. 11 b/g/n (Slim and Pro: a/b/g/n/ac) Wireless,
Bluetooth 2. 1 (Slim and Pro: 4. 0),
USB 3. 0 (Slim and Pro: 3. 1), Ethernet 10/100/1000
Camera
Playstation Camera
Though Proxy servers can be used for Play stations but sometimes it can be very problematic to configure the PS4 console for Proxy servers. So it is important to learn the process to configure Proxy servers for PS4. Once users follow these easy steps then there wouldn’t be any problem at all
1. To set up proxy server users need to find the IP address of the PC or Mobile or Mac device from which the internet connection is being used.
a. Find IP address, open the PC
Go to the Run tab and type “cmd” and press enter.
By doing this the “command prompt screen” will open.
Then type “ipconfig/all” in the command prompt screen and press enter.
Automatically the IP address of the PC will be shown.
Note down the IP address because it will be used later.
b. Find the IP address on a Mobile Device
Enter the settings icon in the Mobile Phone.
Then open the “About Phone menu” inside settings.
Click on the “Status” option.
Now a list of data will drop down and among them, there will be the IP address written. Note it down.
c. To find the IP address on MAC Devices
Go to the “Apple menu” and open “System Preferences”.
Select the “Network preference” menu.
Immediately the IP address of the device will be visible on the right side of the pane.
2. ASSIGNING PROXY SERVER FOR PS4
a. Turn on the PS4 console.
b. Then go to the “Settings” menu.
c. Inside the settings menu select the “Network Section”
d. According to the user’s choice select the “Wi-Fi option” or “LAN cable option”.
e. Then go to the custom option.
f. Now make the DHCP host name as “Do Not Specify”. Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol is a protocol of the network management system where the DHCP assigns IP address dynamically along with other network parameters to devices connected to the network.
g. Then set the Domain Name system as automatic.
h. Set the Mtu settings as automatic too.
i. Then a screen will appear to select the proxy server option. Select it as Use option.
j. Inside the page of Proxy Server, write the IP address of the PC \\\\[that has been noted down earlier] and the Port number of the Proxy Server that the user wants to set. Usually, the Port number is 6588 for windows and 8080 for Mac.
k. After entering the IP address and Port number, click on “Next”.
j. At last, test the internet connection and it must be running completely fine.
Conclusion:
The process of adding a Proxy server to PS4 is not hard at all provided the service is subscribed from a reputed source like LimeProxies. Needless to say, an ideal service provider would lend supportive hands towards every kind of problem its customer faces. Hence, make a right choice while selecting your proxy service provider and you may not even have to go through the details as to how proxy server has to be set up on PS4.
Post Quick LinksJump straight to the section of the post you want to read:
Frequently Asked Questions about shared proxy server
What is shared proxy?
Shared proxies are IP addresses that are used by multiple users at the same time. Shared proxies are considered to be inferior in comparison to private proxies. However, shared proxies can be suitable for the majority of tasks online.Apr 24, 2020
What is a proxy server used for?
A proxy server provides a gateway between users and the internet. It is a server, referred to as an “intermediary” because it goes between end-users and the web pages they visit online. When a computer connects to the internet, it uses an IP address.
What is the proxy server on Ps4?
Proxy server stands between a user and the information from a source it wants to access. Proxy server Ps4 means offering this service to Ps4 users so that the gaming experience continues to function without any connection lags.Jul 26, 2018
