What are proxies in computer networks?

Answer by  KLR (606)

A proxy is either a computer server or program that accepts network requests on behalf of the intended receiving entity. The proxy takes the client request and examines it according to filtering rules. If the request is acceptable, the proxy makes the request to the server for the client. The proxy returns the response from the server to the client.

Answer by  thorsdecree (409)

A proxy is a computer through which a network connection is routed. This is often used to mask the origin of a connection. For example, if computer A wants to download content from computer C, it can go through proxy B. Computer C will think that computer B is the computer requesting the download when actually computer A is.