Proxy
Proxy is a server that acts as an intermediary for requests from clients seeking resources from other server. A client connects to the proxy server, requesting some service, such as a file, connection, web page or other resource available from a different server and the proxy server evaluates the request as a way to simplify and control its complexity. Proxies were invented to add structure and encapsulation to distributed system. Today, most proxies are web proxies, facilitating access to content on the World Wide Web (www).
Web proxies. allowing local network clients to access them more quickly or reliable. When it receives a request for a web resource (specified by a URL), a caching proxy looks for the resulting URL in its local cache. If found, it returns the document immediately. Otherwise it fetches it from the remote server, returns it to the requester and saves a copy in the cache. The cache usually uses an expiry algorithm to remove documents from the cache, according to their age, size, and access history. Two simple cache algorithms are Least Recently Used (LRU) and Least Frequently Used (LFU). LRU removes the least-recently used documents, and LFU removes the least-frequently used documents. Web proxies can also filter the content of Web pages served. Some censorware applications - which attempt to block offensive Web content - are implemented as Web proxies. Other web proxies reformat web pages for a specific purpose or audience; for example, Skweezer reformats web pages for cell phones and PDAs. Network operators can also deploy proxies to intercept computer viruses and other hostile content served from remote Web pages.
Virtual Private Network
Virtual Private Network (VPN) extends a private network across a public network, such as the internet. It enable a computer to send and receive data across shared or public networks as if it
were directly connected to the private network, while benefiting from the functionality, security and management policies of the private network.
A VPN connection across the internet is similar to a wide area network (WAN) link between the sites. VPN is also used by ordinary Internet users to connect to proxy servers for the purpose of protecting one's identity
Difference between a Proxy and VPN Service
Proxy and VPN will change IP address and re-route internet traffic but the function slightly differently.
A proxy be used as a Web Filter. Proxy setting are applied to internet browser likes , Chrome, Safari, Firefox etc. When browsing on internet through a proxy server, all benefits with that server are used, for example (security, speed and geographic location).
VPN service provider will encrypts all of traffics, Replacing ISP and routing all traffic through the VPN server, including all programs and applications. this will also increase speed and empower security.
