PROXY SERVER

The proxy is a buffer between a user and the Internet - breaking the direct connection between sender and receiver. It funnels all user requests to the Internet and fans responses back out to the appropriate users. Proxy servers are available for common Internet services; for example, an HTTP proxy is used for Web access, and an SMTP proxy is used for e-mail. Proxies may also cache Web pages, so that the next request can be obtained locally, saving time and money. Proxies are only one tool that can be used to build a firewall, for hacker protection and filtering

A proxy server is a process that acts like a switchboard through a firewall to manage the various types of permitted communications with the outside world.Proxy servers may also use caching to make communications more efficient.