Comparing TCP proxies

Intercepts normal communication at the network layer without requiring any special client configuration

Requires no client browser configuration

Usually located between the client and the Internet

Performs some of the functions of a gateway or router

Often used to enforce acceptable use policy

Commonly used by ISPs in some countries to save upstream bandwidth and improve customer response times through caching

An Internet protocol for handling Internet traffic through a proxy server

Can be handled with virtually any TCP/UDP application, including browsers and FTP clients that support SOCKS

Can be a good solution for Internet anonymity and security

Routes network packets between a client and server through a proxy server

Can provide authentication so only authorized users can access a server

Proxies TCP connections to an arbitrary IP address

Can anonymize UDP protocols and TCP protocols like HTTP