Proxy server ports facilitate network communication between two or more computing devices. A port is used to send and receive data from one device to another. Broadcasts are usually sent from ports on an established network, such as the Internet. A similar communication protocol or standard is used to ensure that devices understand each other.
A public proxy server transfers information through an anonymous IP address.
When one computer wants to retrieve information from another, it uses the proxy server ports to connect to other devices, such as modems, that send the information request. There is usually a software interface, such as a web browser, that has a built-in communication protocol. For example, the protocol used by proxy server ports to retrieve information through Internet browser software is Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP). A common protocol ensures that all connected devices speak the same language.
Proxy server ports facilitate network communication between two or more computing devices.
Another example of a commonly used protocol is TCP/IP or Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol. The proxy server ports use TCP/IP when sending and receiving data. The protocol used by the proxy server ensures that the transmitted data is sent and received correctly.
Essentially, a proxy port is a means of entry to a computing device and its stored information. Although proxy server ports can be secured using secure language protocols such as HTTPS, many of them are susceptible to intrusion. For example, the transmission of harmful computer viruses would not be possible without the widespread use of TCP/IP ports. There are some TCP ports dedicated to virus and intrusion detection. Computer network administrators often use these types of ports to configure firewall protection.
Public web proxy servers help hide the Internet identity of individual computing devices. Typically, when a device connects to the Internet through a service provider, it transmits an Internet Protocol (IP) address. The IP address identifies the specific device requesting information and can make it vulnerable to unwanted exposure. A public proxy server makes it easy to transfer information through an anonymous address.
Web proxy ports like these actually receive the request for information from the individual computer device through the ISP. The proxy port sends the information request to a web server, which returns it to the port. The public proxy server port forwards it to the individual computer through the network service provider. The web server does not have immediate access to the IP address of the requesting device, but instead believes that the web proxy server is the source of the request.
Essentially, a proxy port is a means of entry to a computing device and its stored information.
