A Proxy is a central machine on the network that allows other machines in that network to use a shared Internet connection. Proxy servers are intermediate servers that accept requests from clients and forward them to other proxy servers, a source server, or service the request from their own cache. The proxy is also called ’server’ or ‘gateway’. Proxy allows users on a network to browse the Web, send files over FTP, and work with E-mail and other Internet services.
A Firewall Proxy provides Internet access to other computers on the network but is mostly deployed to provide safety or security. It controls the information going in and out the network. Firewalls are often used to keep the network safe and free of intruders and viruses. Firewall proxy servers filter, cache, log, and control requests coming from a client. A firewall proxy is one that is used for restricting connections from a proxy to the outside world or to the source server inside of the LAN. This differs from a conventional firewall, in the respect that a conventional firewall restricts outside connections.
To put it simply, proxies are gateway applications used to route Internet and web access from within a firewall. Proxy servers work by opening a socket on the server and allowing the connection to pass through. There is often only one computer in a company with a direct Internet connection. Other computers access the Internet through this computer, which functions as a gateway.
