Proxy Server Glossary Definition

A proxy server is a server that acts as an intermediary for requests from clients seeking resources from other servers. A proxy server is associated with or part of a gateway server that separates the enterprise network from the outside network and a firewall server that protects the enterprise network from outside intrusion. Most proxies are web proxies, facilitating access to content on the World Wide Web and providing anonymity.

Proxy Server is a Network device or intermediary function used to connect endpoints, forward traffic, enforce policy, or provide shared connectivity.

This term is commonly used in software engineering, programming, scripting, application design, testing, and development lifecycle work.

Front-end developers and operations teams use this concept when diagnosing slow pages, tuning delivery, measuring user experience, and reducing unnecessary network or rendering work.

Related concepts include Cache and Latency.

Additional Resource: MDN Web Docs Glossary.

Infrastructure teams use this concept when selecting equipment, documenting traffic paths, and explaining how one part of a network forwards or filters data.

Additional Resource: IEEE 802.3 Ethernet Standard.