A proxy server acts as a connector between two networks. One network is the internet and the other network is a series of system that are connected within themselves.

The primary reason for using a proxy server is to hide system identity from other systems on the internet. Internet cafes make use of proxy servers for the purpose of managing payment for internet access. People who are under oppressive regimes make use of proxy servers to spread their political opinions. Using a proxy server also increases the speed of internet access in some cases.

There are many types of proxy servers and you can choose one depending on your requirement. The most basic type of proxy server is the simple proxy server. This is a very basic proxy server type and it receives request from the client computer and sends the request for access to that internet resource. It then returns response from the client back to the internet resource.

Another type of proxy server is the reverse proxy. This proxy server receives requests from various systems connected to the internet and connects it to a group of internet servers.

If the internet connection is slow, a caching proxy server is used. This server saves a copy of all fetched content and used that copy whenever new content has to be fetched. These types of servers are used in fast connection environment for the purpose of saving bandwidth cost.

There is a need for restricting internet access so that content filtering proxy servers enable filtering of content during the process of internet access. This type of server is used by schools to block objectionable sites and in some cases companies to restrict job sites, porn websites and even social networking websites. The network administrator can set those sites that can be viewed and block sites that should be avoided.