There are a lot of reasons why you should buy proxies for your business. The things you can do with a proxy are simply unmatched. Maybe you want to improve your business by incorporating some business intelligence, or you are looking to protect your brand, or you wish to carry out some serious web scraping, or, maybe, you just like the idea of keeping your company IP addresses anonymous.
No matter the reason, you need to ensure that you purchase the best proxies to achieve your goals. The best proxies will not only get the job done but also make the process seamless. We have outlined some of the things you need to look out for when buying proxies. But before we look at these tips, let’s first dissect this thing called proxies.
How to Use Proxies: What Is a Proxy?
The term proxy is not new to many of us. You have probably heard about a proxy, or even used one. So, what is it? A proxy is a third party server that exists between the internet and your computer/device. The server will act as a buffer and mask your IP address every time you are online.
I know you want to know what happens when you are browsing the internet using a proxy server. Let me take you through the basics.
Browsing The Internet Using a Proxy
Every computer surfing the web bears a unique number known as an Internet Protocol (IP) address. Your device cannot access the internet without this number. An IP address contains some information, including your Internet Service Provider (ISP), your exact location, and your online behavior. Just like your device, a proxy server also has its own IP address.
When you connect to the internet, your request will flow from your device through the proxy (which in turn changes your IP address) before reaching the destination page. On the other hand, the response will come from the destination page, pass through the proxy before you can receive it in your computer. This process takes place in such a way that the proxy masks your real IP address – this way, you can enjoy online anonymity.
Proxy Types
One of the ways of concealing your online identity is by using proxies. Here are some of the most common proxies available today.
- Data Center Proxies
Datacenter proxies are the most commonly used proxies. These types of proxies are independent of your internet connection or ISP – they are not in any way affiliated to both. These proxies allow anonymous browsing without being associated with a physical address.
- Residential Proxies
Residential proxies are simply servers that have been connected as a specific residential address. For instance, if you have an internet connection in your house, then that’s a residential IP address. If your IP address was to be sold as a proxy, then it becomes a residential proxy. Residential proxies provide high anonymity levels.
How to Use Proxies: Private, Semi-Dedicated, And Shared Proxies
Proxies are either private, shared, or semi-dedicated.
Private proxies, as the name suggests, are proxies that are used by one a single user. When you buy a private proxy, you are the only one using that particular proxy
Shared proxies, on the other hand, are proxies that are used by various individuals.
Semi-dedicated proxies are proxies that are a little bit private as compared to shared proxies. In this case, the administrator reduces lag by limiting the number of users. In many cases, one proxy server is shared by up to three users.
Choosing The Right Proxy for Your Business
With a lot of options out there, what should you look for when purchasing proxies?
1. Speed
You can’t overlook proxy speed when looking for the perfect proxy for your business; otherwise, you will be stuck with a slow connection proxy. Some providers will limit the proxy speed or the threads. Some will even throttle your proxy bandwidth. Buy proxies from a provider who won’t limit your speed for the ultimate experience.
2. Location/Region
The location of proxies will largely determine your proxy experience. Some locations are considered high risk since they are associated with scams and spam. If you use such proxies, there is a high risk that you are going to get banned. You can avoid the risk of getting banned by choosing proxies from a trusted region.
3. Compatibility with Different Tools
There’s a high chance that you will want to use your proxies with some tool. However, some proxies won’t work with some tools. Look for proxies that work well with many tools. That way, you don’t have to keep on changing and switching proxies.
4. Subnet Diversity
Providers who don’t offer subnet diversity, make it hard for users to fly under the radar. Using the same subnet to send requests will most likely lead to banning. The more diverse the proxies, the more anonymous you remain.
5. Customer Support
Finally, look for a provider that offers customer support. Using proxies is not complicated, but at times you may require some help. Instead of hiring a technical support team, go for a provider who offers quality support.
Finding the right proxy is not that hard. Do your homework well; it won’t be long before you find proxies that work for you.
