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So far, you’ve probably learned that a proxy server acts as a gateway between your device and the internet. However, do you know that there are different types of proxy servers? One of the most popular types is the SOCKS5 proxy.
If you want to learn about different ways to stay anonymous online and improve online security, you should definitely learn more about SOCKS5 proxies. Below you can find out everything you need to know about SOCKS5 proxies, benefits of using it, and how it compares against regular HTTP proxies.
Understanding what SOCKS5 proxies are
Proxy servers use different internet protocols to route the traffic between your computer and a server. SOCKS5 proxies got their name by the protocol they use to do it – the SOCKS protocol. The number 5 states the version of the SOCKS protocol – SOCKS 5 is the latest SOCKS internet protocol.
Over the years, SOCKS went through a couple of changes. Today, it offers better security and three different authentication methods.
SOCKS5 protocol enables SOCKS5 proxies to use a new arbitrary IP address and form Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) or User Datagram Protocol (UDP) through it.
Basically, every time you try to access some content on a website, your request will go through the SOCKS5 proxy. The proxy will send a request through an arbitrary IP address, and your authentic IP address will remain hidden.
The benefits of using SOCKS5
SOCKS5 proxies became popular because they offer a number of benefits.
a) Overcome internet blocks
Many websites use IP filters to keep users from certain geo-location unable to access their content. SOCKS5 proxies at Oxylabs offer an easy way to go around internet blocks and access your favorite content. It will work even if your IP address is on the website’s blacklist.
SOCKS5 assigns a new IP address to you, the one that is not blacklisted, allowing you to circumvent current internet blocks. Thanks to SOCKS5 proxies, you will be able to access streaming services or any other content that you otherwise couldn’t.
b) No limitations with programs, traffic, and protocol
One of the best things about the SOCKS5 internet protocol is that it can interpret and work with all types of traffic. For instance, if you use an HTTP proxy, you will be able to access only content on HTTP and HTTPS webpages. If you want to enjoy online surfing without limitations in terms of programs, traffic, and protocol, SOCKS5 is the solution you are looking for.
SOCKS5 protocol is built to support any program, protocol, and traffic. It significantly increases the number of its use cases. You can use the SOCKS5 proxy to anonymously browse the web, use cloud-based service, stream video, or even play video games.
c) Improve P2P performance
If you love P2P sharing, you are probably on the constant lookout to improve the download and upload performance. You will be happy to find out that while SOCKS5 was not exclusively built for P2P sharing, it offers just what you are looking for.
SOCKS5 is optimized to transfer small data packets at ultra-fast speeds, which is exactly the nature of P2P sharing. SOCKS5 will help you securely connect to P2P sharing platforms without sacrificing downloading speed.
d) Fewer errors and improved performance
There is one more thing that makes SOCKS5 proxies unique when compared to other proxy protocols. Unlike some other proxy protocols, SOCKS5 doesn’t rewrite data packet headers. Rewriting data packet headers results in poor performance and errors such as mislabeling and misrouting data.
SOCKS5 proxies don’t generate these types of errors, which leads to improved performance in terms of speed.
e) Amazing speed and connection reliability
Finally, SOCKS5 proxies deliver great speed and connection reliability. SOCKS5 proxies utilize UDP protocols to enable fast speeds and reliable connections. While TCP internet protocol which converts data packets into a fixed array, UDP doesn’t. This saves time, which results in faster speed and less latency.
SOCKS5 vs. HTTP
SOCKS5 and HTTP proxies differ in functionality, security, and speed. In terms of functionality, HTTP proxies are restricted to HTTP and HTTPS protocols. Their primary use is to retrieve data via a web browser. SOCKS5, on the other hand, doesn’t come with use case limits since they support more protocols and can be used for general purposes.
SOCKS5 proxies are not able to read the client-server data while HTTP proxies are. For this reason, SOCKS5 proxies are a significantly safer solution to their HTTP counterparts.
Finally, in terms of speed, SOCKS5 proxies significantly outperform HTTP ones. They don’t rewrite data packet headers and deliver fast speeds.
Conclusion
SOCKS5 proxies offer an easy and reliable way to use the internet at fast speeds safely. SOCKS5 protocol makes these proxies a unique and reliable solution for people interested in adding additional security layers without affecting their online experience.
