What is the primary function of a proxy server?

The primary function of a proxy server is to act as an intermediary between clients and other servers. This role enables the proxy server to mediate requests from clients seeking resources from other servers. When a client makes a request, it is sent to the proxy server, which then forwards the request to the appropriate server. Once the proxy receives the response from the server, it sends it back to the client. This functionality offers several advantages, including increased privacy and security, as the client’s IP address is hidden from the destination server. Additionally, proxy servers can enforce policies, filter content, and cache responses to improve performance.

While caching web pages for faster access is a capability that many proxy servers offer, particularly in the context of enhancing speed and reducing bandwidth usage, it is not the primary function. Translating IP addresses to domain names is the role of a Domain Name System (DNS) server, not a proxy. Providing a direct connection to the internet does not align with the intermediary role that a proxy plays, as proxy servers serve to manage and filter the connection rather than provide direct access.