A good tool is one that balances performance and security. It applies to operating systems, antiviruses, and proxies. Too often, we settle for something that sacrifices one over the other, but it doesn’t have to be that way. In the case of proxies, the solution is choosing SOCKS5.
The problem is that SOCKS5 proxies are unknown to many internet users, so they go with something that is less optimal. This article serves as an introduction to SOCKS5 proxies and how they can enhance your online experience.
Types of Internet Protocols
In networking, a communication protocol is a system of rules allowing the transmission of information between parties. From their syntax to error codes – they define various aspects of how data packets are formed. The internet is also defined by such protocols.
The main protocol used is the HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol), which defines rules for data packets and requires the client and server to have identification. Simply put, the client is a device requesting data, and the server is the one who responds.
For the communication to happen, for example, to load a website, each device must be uniquely identifiable. This is done by assigning a unique string of numbers and letters called an IP address. Most protocols used on the internet function on this basis, but they implement rules a bit differently.
The SOCKS5 (stands for Socket Secure 5) protocol is used primarily for network packets between the client and the server through yet another proxy server. It allows a third party to check the connection and ensures whether the requests are authenticated. Also, if any security breaches are detected, the connection doesn’t reach the final client or the server.
Proxies with different protocols
Both of these communication protocol types are often used when creating proxy servers and can be paired with other setup methods to enhance them. As you might know, proxy servers function as intermediaries, forwarding your requests to websites and services so that your original IP address would be hidden.
This ensures you are anonymous on the web, helps bypass geo-restrictions, and enables the use of various automated software. For example, with proxies, you can collect data automatically (web scraping), manage multiple social media accounts, perform bulk purchasing, and much more.
Not all software programs meant for proxies support both HTTP and SOCKS5 proxies. HTTP is primarily meant for web browsers, so the types of traffic HTTP-based proxy can handle are limited.
SOCK5 proxies, on the other hand, are more versatile. They enable a full TCP connection with authentication and can handle UDP, IPV4, IPV6, and other traffic types.
Many software applications choose to support one or the other depending on the traffic types they need to work with. SOCKS5 protocol is more versatile, so such proxies are more often supported.
Why SOCKS5 proxies are fast?
The way the SOCKS5 protocol functions makes it possible to perform data catching. It is a process of storing multiple copies of data in a temporary location to be accessed faster. SOCKS5 protocol allows that to be accomplished while using proxies.
The server will store files upfront, even before you request them. So, when you finally need to load, it will happen almost instantly. That’s why SOCKS5 proxies are better for data-intensive tasks, such as web scraping.
Additionally, SOCKS5 proxies provide fewer errors than HTTP ones. The reason is that the latter ones extract data packets and modify them, for example, to add their IP address. Such proxies can lead to errors or the data being misrouted.
SOKCS5 proxies, due to using an additional proxy, do not need to modify data packets as authentification happens differently. It increases the speed as the data packets are smaller and less prone to errors.
Why SOCKS5 proxies are secure?
Although performance is one of the main benefits, most users buy SOCKS5 proxies for their security. The security enhancements come from the way SOCKS5 proxies perform authentification.
Other proxy types support only the username/password and IP address authentification. SOCKS5 proxies can have these methods, but they can also use no authentification or have advanced authentification with access keys (GSS-API authentication). This is the best way to avoid man-in-the-middle attacks when an intruder intercepts communication.
SOCKS5 proxy can check the authentification keys of each communicating party to ensure whether they are what they claim to be. With such authentication, an intruder cannot know what you do on the internet. HTTPS proxies can also ensure similar security, but are slower because of such measures.
SOCKS5 proxies can also be used on the server side to selectively route unwanted traffic. SOCKS5 proxy, unlike HTTP, can function behind a firewall and work with all kinds of programs and protocols.
SOCKS5 proxies: use case scenario
SOCKS5 proxies are used for various common proxy use cases – bypassing geo-restrictions to access blocked content and ensure anonymity. However, they are most efficient for web scraping.
Due to smaller data packets, it can quickly transfer large amounts of data. This is crucial for collecting online information as it’s the main benefit of using scraper bots in the first place. A slow proxy makes the process very long and increases the risk of the website raising suspicions.
Of course, the speed of your proxy also depends on the origin of your IP address. Residential IPs, set up on home devices with provider-verified connections, are usually slower than datacenter. These proxies are created virtually in bulk on high-performance internet connections and devices.
Both of these proxy types can be used as HTTP or SOCKS5. So, you must look into what your software supports. Web scraping software is more efficient when it can work with more traffic types. So, a lot of solutions do not support HTTP and can only work with SOCKS5 proxies.
Wrapping up
SOCKS5 proxies are both secure and fast when compared to their HTTP counterparts. It might depend on your use case, but choosing a SOCKS5 proxy is rarely a mistake.
