Proxy Terminology Glossary: 50+ Terms Explained

Complete Proxy Terminology Glossary

A

ASN (Autonomous System Number) A unique identifier for a network on the internet. ASNs identify whether an IP belongs to a datacenter, ISP, or mobile carrier.

Authentication The process of verifying identity to use a proxy. Methods include IP whitelisting and username/password.

B

Backconnect Proxy A proxy system that automatically rotates IPs through a single connection point.

Bandwidth The amount of data transferred through a proxy. Often measured in GB.

Blacklist A list of blocked IP addresses. Proxies can end up on blacklists if abused.

C

CGNAT (Carrier-Grade NAT) Technology used by mobile carriers where thousands of users share IP addresses.

Connection Timeout When a proxy fails to establish a connection within the allowed time.

D

Datacenter Proxy A proxy using IP addresses from cloud hosting providers.

Dedicated Proxy A proxy used exclusively by one customer (not shared).

F

Fingerprinting Identifying users based on browser/device characteristics beyond IP address.

Forward Proxy A proxy that sits between clients and the internet (the typical proxy type).

G

Geolocation The physical location associated with an IP address.

Geo-targeting Selecting proxies from specific geographic locations.

H

HTTP Proxy A proxy designed for web traffic using HTTP/HTTPS protocols.

HTTPS Encrypted HTTP traffic. Most proxies support HTTPS.

I

IP Address A unique numerical identifier for devices on the internet.

IP Rotation Automatically changing IP addresses during a session.

IP Warming Gradually building sending reputation for a new IP address.

ISP (Internet Service Provider) Companies that provide internet access. Residential IPs come from ISPs.

L

Latency The delay between sending a request and receiving a response.

M

Mobile Proxy A proxy using IP addresses from mobile carriers (4G/5G).

P

Pool The collection of IP addresses available from a proxy provider.

Port A number that specifies the endpoint for proxy connections (e.g., 8080).

Protocol The communication method (HTTP, HTTPS, SOCKS5).

R

Residential Proxy A proxy using IP addresses assigned by ISPs to home users.

Reverse Proxy A proxy that sits in front of web servers (opposite of forward proxy).

Rotating Proxy A proxy that automatically changes IP addresses.

S

Session A continuous connection period using the same IP.

Shared Proxy A proxy used by multiple customers simultaneously.

SOCKS5 A protocol that tunnels any type of internet traffic.

Static Proxy A proxy with a fixed, non-rotating IP address.

Sticky Session Maintaining the same IP for a set duration.

Subnet A range of related IP addresses within a network.

T

Timeout Maximum time allowed for a connection or response.

Transparent Proxy A proxy that identifies itself to target servers.

U

Uptime The percentage of time a proxy is operational.

W

Whitelist A list of approved IP addresses or domains.

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