What Is a Private Proxy?

Proxies have become an integral part of many businesses. You probably used proxies in one way or the other to better your business. If you have never used proxies, don’t worry – it’s never too late to start using a proxy to gain a competitive edge. So, what is a private proxy? Well, before narrowing down to private proxies, we need first to know what proxies are. In this blog, you will know what is a Private Proxy?

What Is Private Proxy: What Is a Proxy? 

You have probably heard about proxies, but do you know what they mean? A proxy server or simply a proxy is an intermediary between the internet and your computer – it acts as a buffer. A proxy ensures that you enjoy high levels of anonymity online by masking your real IP address. 

Are you curious to know what happens any time you browse the web? Any device browsing the internet will have an Internet Protocol (IP) address assigned to your computer by an Internet Service Provider (ISP). Your device needs an IP address to communicate online. An IP address contains all the information concerning you, including your online activity and your geographical location. When you browse the internet, a site can gather all that information from your IP address. 

A proxy server, just as your device has an IP address. When you access the web via a proxy, the proxy will disguise your real IP address and browse the web on your behalf. So, when you send out a request, the request will pass through the proxy server which will change your IP address then send the request on behalf of your device. In the same way, the response will come from the destination site and pass through the server before reaching you. By masking your IP address, you get to enjoy anonymity every time you are online. 

What Is Private Proxy: Proxy Types 

Proxies can either be private, shared, or semi-dedicated. Private proxies as the name suggest are only used by one individual/business/organization. When you purchase these proxies, you are the only one using them. 

Shared proxies are proxies used by multiple clients. One proxy IP address will be shared among different users. Semi-dedicated proxies are, in a way, shared proxies. However, the administrator limits the number of users per proxy. In many cases, only three users are allowed to share a single proxy IP address. This greatly reduces lag. 

Proxies are available in different types. Some of the most used ones include residential and data center proxies. 

Residential Proxies 

If you have installed internet in your home, then you have what we call a residential IP address. If your IP address could be used by another user to mask their IP address, then your IP address would become a residential proxy. In simple terms, residential proxies are servers affiliated to an actual physical location and IP address. Residential proxies mimic organic IP behavior and offer a high-security level and web anonymity. 

Data Center Proxies 

If you have ever used a proxy, then that must be a data center proxy – they are the most common ones. These servers are not provided by a real ISP, like the residential ones, and so they have nothing to do with your internet connection or your IP. Data center proxies allow you to browse anonymously, thanks to cloud service providers. 

What Is a Private Proxy? 

Just like any other proxy, a private proxy will act as the intermediary between the web and a client. Requests run via the proxy which will, in turn, connect to the internet for a response. However, a private proxy means only one client is using the proxy exclusively. It is not shared, and the user has full control of when and how the server is used. 

Exclusivity is what defines private proxies – this also comes at a price and high quality! Private proxies are mainly used by businesses since they offer the highest levels of anonymity. They are also tough to get blocked or banned because only one client uses them. 

What are some of the merits of using a private proxy? 

Advantages of Private Proxies 

Here the top benefits of using a private proxy. 

• Top Speeds

Private proxies are only assigned to one user. That means that there’s very little of bandwidth overload. Hence, reliable and faster than the shared ones. 

• High-Level Security 

Private proxies offer high levels of security since you are the only one who has access to them. You don’t have to worry about compromising your personal information or data. 

• Multiple Location

With private proxies, you can enjoy various location IP masking. Private proxy providers offer a pool of IP addresses from different regions which you can use to mask your identity and bypass any geo-restrictions. 

Disadvantages of Private Proxies 

There’s only one flaw that I can pinpoint when it comes to these proxies; they are expensive as compared to the shared ones. 

With a great understanding of what is a private proxy, the choice is yours; should you go for the cheaper and shared proxies or will you go for the expensive, high-security private proxies? Is it worth investing in private proxies? I bet, yes!