Understanding Configure Proxy

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What does Configure Proxy Mean?

By Sandra Felice, Community Contributor -

A configured proxy is a server that acts as an intermediary between a user’s device and the internet.

It routes the internet traffic through the proxy server before it reaches its destination and provides functions such as hiding the user’s IP address, filtering content, caching data for quicker access, or providing security measures by managing incoming and outgoing data.

Benefits of a Configured Proxy

Here are the core benefits of using a Configured Proxy:

  • Hides your IP address, providing privacy and anonymity while browsing.
  • Provides an additional layer of protection against cyber threats.
  • Enables access to geo-restricted content such as websites or services
  • It is useful for controlling what content users can access, often in corporate or educational environments.
  • Speeds up access to frequently visited websites by locally storing copies of web pages.
  • Distributes traffic evenly across servers, optimizing resource usage.
  • Enhances network performance through bandwidth control and reduced latency.

How to Configure a Proxy

Here’s a detailed guide on how to configure a proxy and set them up on your device:

For Windows

  • Go to Settings > Network & Internet > Proxy.
  • Toggle the option Use a Proxy Server and enter the proxy server address and proxy port.
  • Optionally, input your authentication details.

Windows proxy

For macOS

  • Open System Preferences > Network.
  • Select the active network connection (Wi-Fi or Ethernet).
  • Click Advanced > Proxies tab, and check the relevant proxy protocol (for example: HTTP, HTTPS).
  • Enter the proxy server details (IP and port) and click OK.

Mac Proxy

For more details and guidance, refer to the BrowserStack documentation on configuring proxies.

For Chrome Browser

  • Open Chrome > Click the three dots > Settings.
  • Scroll to System > Open your computer’s proxy settings.
  • Configure the proxy as per your system (Windows/macOS).

Chrome Proxy

How to Find Proxy Settings

To find your proxy settings, navigate to the network settings on your device or web browser. These settings vary depending on the platform but are typically found under Network or Internet Options.

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