What is the purpose of a Proxy Server?

The purpose of a proxy server as an intermediary during network connections is fundamental to its functionality. When a client makes a request to access a resource on the internet, the request goes to the proxy server first instead of directly to the destination server. The proxy server then forwards the client's request to the internet, retrieves the requested resource, and sends it back to the client. This process provides several benefits, such as improved security, anonymity, and potentially caching content to minimize load times for frequently requested resources.

Additionally, the use of a proxy server can enable network administrators to enforce policies, such as access control and content filtering, by determining what content should or shouldn't be accessed. Although filtering network traffic, monitoring sessions, and creating logs are functions associated with network management tools, they do not encompass the primary role of a proxy server, which is to facilitate and manage the connections between clients and external resources.