Answer:
The answer is Proxy server.
Explanation:
A proxy server is a server application or device that works as a mediator for clients who are requesting resources from servers that provide those resources. It works for the client when requesting service, potentially hiding the real origin of the request to the resource server. Proxy server acts as mediator between computer and internet enabling client computers to make indirect connections to other network services.
Instead of directly connecting to a server that can execute a specified function, such as a file or web page, the client guides the request to the proxy server, which reviews the request and executes the necessary network transfers. Client computers first connect to the proxy server, instead of connecting directly to a server for requesting some resources like web pages, a file, videos etc. The proxy server assesses the request and executes or performs the required network processes.
This means when the proxy server receives the resource request from the client computer, it will look for the resources in its hard disk. If the resources are present in the cache already then proxy server will return these resources to the client and if not, then proxy server keeps requesting these resources on client's behalf. When proxy server attains the resource it will cache that resource from remote servers and immediately returns successive request for the same material directly. This is how the complexity of a request is controlled.
Proxy server is being used for several reasons such as sharing Internet connections on a LAN, hiding IP address, performing Internet access control etc.
Advantages of using proxy server:
- share Internet connection over a LAN.
- proxy servers speeds up Internet surfing as they fulfill the clients requests directly.
- can be used for authentication for Internet connection.
- used for bandwidth control.
- can be used for internet web filter and content filter.
- used to avoid security filters e.g. it is used to access blocked websites.
- to bypass location restrictions e.g. if a server is restricting services to a specific country , the services can be accessed using a proxy.
