What is the function of a proxy server?

A proxy server functions as an intermediary between a client and another server, handling requests made by clients and relaying those requests to the appropriate destination server. When a client, such as a computer or application, makes a request for a resource on the internet, the proxy server processes this request, potentially modifying it based on various rules, and forwards it to the target server. Once the target server responds, the proxy server receives the data and sends it back to the client.

This functionality provides several benefits, including improved performance through caching, enhanced security features by hiding the client’s IP address, and the ability to enforce access control over the network by filtering requests. The role of a proxy server is crucial in network management and is widely used in both personal and organizational settings.

The other options refer to different technologies or concepts that serve other purposes—storing data for offline access pertains to local storage solutions, providing local network access relates to networking devices like routers or switches, and encrypting user data is typically the role of security protocols rather than a proxy server.