Failure interpretation
If the reproducible check fails, re-check endpoint values, protocol, and local interception before blaming the target.
Proxy connection guide
How do proxies work?
How do proxies work?: definition, mechanism, reproducible checks, and what it means for dedicated static residential operation.
Quick answer
A proxy is a server that receives your client's request, re-sends it from its own address, and returns the response. Targets see the proxy, not you.
Direct definition
How the mechanism works
Reproducible commands
Static-residential implication
When this is the right fit
- Direct definition
- How the mechanism works
- Reproducible commands
Who this page is for
How do proxies work?: definition, mechanism, reproducible checks, and what it means for dedicated static residential operation.
A proxy is a server that receives your client's request, re-sends it from its own address, and returns the response. Targets see the proxy, not you.
How it works, step by step
- 1
Direct definition
A proxy is a server that receives your client's request, re-sends it from its own address, and returns the response. Targets see the proxy, not you.
- 2
How the mechanism works
The client connects (HTTP CONNECT for HTTPS, SOCKS5 handshake, or plain HTTP proxying), the proxy authenticates the session, then relays bytes in both directions.
- 3
Reproducible check
curl -x http://user:pass@host:port https://api.ipify.org prints the endpoint address, proving the path.
Sources
Facts last reviewed 2026-09-01.
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Frequently asked questions
Does how do proxies work? matter for managed accounts?
Yes - it is one of the signals that ties a profile to one identity. Verify it in the periodic connection audit.
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