Proxy Filter



Proxy Filters

One might have heard the word Proxy a couple of times and be wondering what it means. Proxy or Web Proxy is a method of accessing data or information from one server through another by internet users. In this arrangement, the client requests the proxy to collect for him some information from another site and pass it to him. Proxy Filter is therefore the process of refusing access to certain unwanted sites and classified resources by the proxy, as requested by the client, whenever a browser requests for same. Some business organizations as well as educational institutions asked the proxy to block some sites that are against their usage policy.

Types of filters and the way they function

A Content Filter is Proxy Software specially designed to undertake the screening process of the items reaching the client. There are free and paid copies of the program. The free are made available for the customer to try it, and if he is satisfied he can go for the paid one.

Another type is ICAP to which extensions are added to open caching architecture. The working process of the filter is as described bellow. Whenever a user passes a request on the net, such a request has to go through a positioned proxy filter that would identify and block all the items outlined to be exempted from the content reaching the clients browser. The proxy filter site has a URL database. It is updated at the regular interval, mostly once a week just the way an anti virus software subscription is updated. The filter is programmed to block certain categories of content. The content so blocked may include

  • shopping online
  • social networking
  • sports
  • pornography
  • casino games and gamble

At anytime a user requests any resource that fall under this category, access to the request is instantly denied. But if the request is orderly, it will be accessed readily.

A Dynamic Filter is applied on the returned path, example JPEG, which stops files on the basis of fleshtone matches. It can also identify language. If a request is made of some information that is banned, an HTTP sends error message and the information requested is denied.

Crawling Robot- Broadly and concisely speaking crawling robot is another filter used by some organizations to evaluate and place certain resource under a giving class. For example, it can analyze content as 60% sports; 70% news, 80% porn etc.

Generally Speaking, proxy filters serve excellent purposes to the client giving him the advantage of screening the contents that reaches his organization. The good thing about proxy filters is that they are readily available, and consists of both free and commercial options. If you have a need to use one, give it a try and you will be happy you did.