When networks requested new security solutions to manage rising complications, the first firewall appeared. But have you considered which type of server can function as a firewall? Let’s find out within a section of this blog!
Which Type Of Server Can Function As A Firewall?
Proxy Server. Well, a straightforward answer as to which type of server can function as a firewall, Proxy Server. These firewall & proxy servers have the same purpose: to limit or prohibit connections into and out of a network.
The distinction between a firewall and a proxy server derives from their respective goals and functions. Both lie between personal computers and the Internet and provide security versus network threats.
On the other hand, a firewall prevents illegal connections, whereas a proxy server is a bridge between a personal computer and the network.
So let us explore a little more into which type of server can function as a firewall. To begin, understand what the phrases “firewall” and “proxy server” mean and how they function. After considering the two possibilities, we will indeed be able to answer the question,” Which type of server can function as a firewall?” after considering the two possibilities.
What Is A Firewall?
A firewall is a piece of software, firmware, or a system that protects a private network from unwanted access. A firewall limits or blocks access to a particular network of devices such as computers. It uses a set of rules to examine incoming and outgoing communications to identify and prevent threats.
Unauthorized internet users are encrypted to protect private Internet on the Internet, particularly intranets, using firewalls. A firewall can prevent dangerous malware from entering your computer by blocking undesired traffic.
Firewalls are used between personal and business contexts and many devices and come with one installed. A two-way firewall may keep track of all incoming and outgoing data and secure it.
All intranet messages must travel via the firewall, which checks each message and rejects those that do not fit the set security standards. They’re usually regarded as an essential part of network security. A firewall, in general, keeps hackers out of your network.
How To Allow Chrome To Access The Network In Your Firewall? Read HERE.
What Is the Purpose of A Firewall?
A firewall serves as a checkpoint. The administrator has specific access controls or guidelines that regulate what data packets are allowed and which are not. A firewall creates a barrier between a public network and the network that it protects.
It can control data packets entering a secure network and operates at the IP packet level. Packets are data files that have been prepared for Internet transmission.
Data and information about data, including where it originated from, are contained in packets. A data packet could only enter a network if the firewall permits it. Firewalls can use this packet information to determine if a given packet follows the ruleset. The authorization list is a collection of these rules. This is how a private network’s security is ensured.
Firewalls are classified into numerous categories basis on structure and functioning both cloud-based firewalls are also available. We’ll look at which type of server can function as a firewall.
What Is A Proxy Server?
A proxy server is a form of gateway that conceals the machine connecting through its genuine network address. A proxy server is a device, dedicated computer, or software system that sits between the end-user, as in a personal smartphone or computer, and a targeted location, or something like a webpage, server, or web-based or cloud-based app, to enhance and secure access to a website.
Considering which type of server can function as a firewall, the proxy prevents direct contact between local devices and the Internet and protects the network from rogue users. Proxy servers can mask the consumer’s IP address from the endpoint by serving as a middleman between the client and the destination.
Also, it functions as a firewall between your local device and the Internet. This helps prevent the collection of personally-identifying information from users. Since only the proxy server Address is accessible, no other user can see the local computer’s IP address.
What Is The Purpose of a Proxy Server?
As the title mentions which type of server can function as a firewall, the proxy comes in. When an external customer sends connectivity to an internal network or conversely, the client instead creates a link with the proxy.
Moreover, a proxy server receives a user’s request to visit a specific website on the Internet. A proxy server allows users to connect in place of the computer behind it, making requests for pages, connecting to servers, and receiving data.
In addition, the system then scans the cache for the same response. If a request is already in the cached, it is generated immediately, saving bandwidth. Suppose it isn’t already inside the memory.
In that case, the proxy uses the Internet to obtain the information and keeps it in the cache because it must actively monitor and alter traffic traveling through it. A proxy server can potentially disturb network performance.
Regarding which type of server can function as a firewall, a proxy server is now a firewall component that, when combined with the firewall, increases efficiency and functionality.
| Comparison | Firewall | Proxy Server |
| Basic | The most significant distinction between a firewall and a proxy is that a firewall analyzes and screens all input and output access privileges on an internal network. | On the other hand, a proxy server mediates and links a local computer to a server to obtain data on behalf of a user. |
| Purpose | Access without authorization is strictly prohibited. | It establishes network connections. |
| What and how? | The Data packet of said traffic coming filters the access requests. It prevents unwanted access by blocking apps and ports. | An organization can prohibit the use of a specific website. As a result, a proxy server protects users from such websites. It also hides your local network from the outside world. |
What is the significance of firewalls?
It’s good to get a firewall if you’re using the internet. Firewalls are significant because they influenced modern security measures and are still frequently utilized. Cyberthreats are prevalent and ever-changing.
Firewalls became the basis of computer security. Take advantage of existing defences to help safeguard your network and the private details saved on your computer from cybercrime.
Summary of findings
So, we’ve covered the definitions of firewall and proxy servers and their applications and the differences between the two. So, after reading about the differences between such a firewall and just a proxy server, this is evident that which type of server can function as a firewall is a proxy server. They function only to safeguard a local network from dangerous users and activities.
