Web Proxies

This section introduces various proxy types used to route web traffic through intermediate servers for purposes such as security, anonymity, or access control.

Proxy Type	Description	Use Case
HTTP Proxy	Intercepts and forwards HTTP requests between clients and servers. Supports caching and content filtering.	Web traffic routing and access control.
HTTPS Proxy	Similar to HTTP proxy but supports encrypted traffic (via CONNECT method). Ensures secure proxying for HTTPS traffic.	Encrypted web access and secure inspection.
SOCKS5 Proxy	General-purpose proxy that operates at Layer 5. Supports TCP/UDP and authentication.	Torrenting, gaming, or bypassing restrictions.

HTTP Proxy

RFC: Based on HTTP/1.1 (RFC 7230)

Main Features:

Forwards only HTTP traffic
Supports caching, content filtering, and access control
Easy to configure for web clients

Use Cases:

Caching and logging web access
Restricting access to specific websites

Alternative Proxies:

HTTPS – For secure connections
SOCKS5 – For general-purpose proxying

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HTTPS Proxy

RFC: Uses HTTP CONNECT method (RFC 2817)

Main Features:

Proxies encrypted HTTPS traffic
Enables SSL/TLS tunneling
Useful for secure inspection in enterprises

Use Cases:

Secure browsing with access control
Logging encrypted sessions in corporate networks

Alternative Proxies:

HTTP – For plain web traffic
SOCKS5 – For more flexible tunneling

SOCKS5 Proxy

RFC: RFC 1928

Main Features:

Layer 5 proxy that supports both TCP and UDP
Authentication and flexible protocol support
No protocol-specific logic (unlike HTTP)

Use Cases:

Torrenting, gaming, bypassing geo-blocks
Generic proxy support in many applications

Alternative Proxies:

HTTP/HTTPS – Simpler for browsers
VPN – Encrypts and tunnels all traffic