A lot goes on while browsing the internet – some activities might even cost you dearly. If you try to scrape data off a website, don’t be shocked if you’re restricted or banned.
However, you can get around that snag! It is not a big problem with proxy servers. Perhaps you don’t even have an idea of what it is.
What is a Proxy Server?
A proxy server represents a gateway between the internet and you. It serves as a “middleman” between a website and its visitors. You get perks like a high-level of security, privacy, functionality, by using a proxy server to access the internet.
There are different types of proxies, but some are better than others. Let’s take a look at residential and datacenter proxies.
Residential Proxies
You can call residential proxies residential IP addresses. The name came from the fact that they’re connected to a residence. With their requests, it looks less suspicious than when you use datacenter proxies.
Residential proxy providers, like Oxylabs, sell these personal IP addresses. For instance, they may take the IP address of an individual living in the US and sell to another person that resides in Europe. It may be useful if you’re coping sneakers from a location other than the US.
With a residential proxy, it will seem like you’re in the US – in the eyes of sneaker sites. It will give you an advantage.
You don’t need to bother about a ban when you use residential proxies, as they’re legit IP addresses. With the website owner taking a critical look at the request; it will appear to them as issued from a regular residence with the IP assigned by a real provider.
Datacenter Proxies
Datacenter proxies are the types that you will find everywhere. When you’re trying to hide your IP address, these proxies have no connection with your ISP – or even your connection. It is one of the ways you could hide your IP and not worry about being linked to one location.
Websites will use cookies in identifying your IP address as they place them in your browser. Your IP address is the most critical of all online fingerprints that you leave behind when you surf the internet – it can point out your exact location. It allows the search engine to offer localized results, and website owners can block content (based on location) because they don’t want specific online users to get access to it.
However, by using a proxy linked to a data center, you have no problem – you’ll get access to whatever content you want when you wish regardless of your location.
However, website owners are getting smarter by the day, and will most time block datacenter proxies. Residential proxies will come handy in such situations as they seem like real IP addresses.
If you’re a proxy provider with an array of locations for your users to choose from, then you’re at an advantage over your competitors. Users can’t switch to different places – and scrape for data at will and successfully.
Features for Choosing a Proxy Provider
It can’t be stressed further the importance of choosing the right proxy service provider. There are many things you need to consider before you take the plunge; the following factors will give you a clear perspective.
Big Proxy Pool
If your project is such that requires specific locations, you should pitch a tent with a provider with a bigger IP pool. Country and city-level targeting is possible with a provider with more proxies. You will get smaller IP blocks with a bigger IP pool.
Concerning geolocation, you’ll have access to a wide array of locations from residential proxy providers. Before you buy, ensure that you get the supported countries on their list.
You need to understand that with the list of supported countries, you may not be able to choose the location of our choice – some smaller providers assign locations randomly.
Dedicated Proxies
Go for proxy providers that offer dedicated proxies. The reason for this action is below;
The IP address does not change for any reason. That allows you to use sites that whitelist IPs for a purpose like security.
You’ll not experience a ‘bad neighbor’ effect. It usually happens because many people share the IP address, and the IP is blocked because of the unethical behavior of some users.
You’ll get more bandwidth for IP as other users do not share it – that translates into faster speed.
With dedicated proxies, hacking and spoof attempts will be kept at bay. It is common with shared IP users.
Dedicated Account Manager/Support
Ensure that the provider you choose has a dedicated account manager. You may run into problems during the setup – or any other time – and may need the assistance of an experienced professional. That is where an account manager comes in. These people are well-trained in troubleshooting and technicalities of the job.
You’ll get 24/7 support regardless of the problem.
Finding the best proxies in the US is not hard, after all. Use the tips in this piece, and it will be a piece of cake.