Genode Proxy

VPN is considered a more advanced technology for anonymization on the Internet. The main (but not the only) difference between VPN is the encryption of all traffic. But this decreases the connection speed and also increases the response time of the remote server. A proxy works slightly faster in this respect.

Shared proxies should be understood as IPs and port numbers available to everyone. That is, many users can use them simultaneously. The most unreliable and slowest option.

A proxy server is responsible for acting as an intermediary between a client and a destination server, handling requests and responses on behalf of the client. Its primary functions include:

1. Access control: A proxy server can be configured to control access to certain resources or websites based on user authentication, IP address, or other criteria. This can help organizations enforce access policies and restrict access to inappropriate or unauthorized content.

2. Caching: Proxy servers can cache frequently accessed content, such as web pages, images, and other files, to improve performance and reduce the load on the destination server. This can result in faster response times for clients accessing previously cached content.

3. Anonymity and privacy: By routing requests through a proxy server, a client can maintain anonymity and privacy. The proxy server's IP address appears as the source of the request, rather than the client's IP address, which can help protect the client's identity and location.

4. Content filtering: Proxy servers can be configured to filter and block certain types of content, such as malicious websites, adult content, or specific keywords. This can help organizations maintain a safe and secure browsing environment for their users.

5. Performance optimization: Proxy servers can optimize performance by compressing data, using content delivery networks (CDNs), or implementing load balancing techniques. This can result in faster load times and improved user experience.

6. Protocol translation: In some cases, proxy servers can translate between different communication protocols, allowing clients to access resources using a different protocol than the destination server supports.

7. Security: Proxy servers can provide additional security by encrypting data transmitted between the client and the destination server, protecting sensitive information from being intercepted or tampered with during transmission.

There are HTTP proxy, FTP proxy, SOCKS proxy, SMTP proxy, CGI proxy. They differ only in the data transmission protocol used and the purpose for which they are used. For example, SMTP proxy allows you to organize a secure server for e-mail.

And it depends on what purpose the proxy is used for. But you should definitely give preference to paid proxies. They are more reliable, always available, and with that comes a guarantee of privacy. Unfortunately, personal data is often stolen from free proxies.