Manual proxy settings involve directly configuring your device or application with specific proxy server details. Instead of automatically detecting proxy settings, you enter the server address, port, and sometimes authentication credentials.
Understanding Manual Proxy Configuration
A manual proxy configuration is defined by:
- Proxy Addresses: A set of proxy addresses, each assigned to a specific transfer protocol.
- Bypass List: A list of domain names for which the proxies should not be used, allowing direct connections to those sites.
Key Components of Manual Proxy Settings
Here’s a breakdown of what you typically configure:
| Component | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Proxy Address | The IP address or hostname of the proxy server. | 192.168.1.100 or proxy.example.com |
| Port | The port number the proxy server uses to listen for connections. | 8080, 3128 |
| Protocol | The specific protocol the proxy handles. Common protocols include HTTP, HTTPS (SSL), FTP, and SOCKS. | HTTP, HTTPS, FTP |
| Bypass List | A list of websites or IP addresses that should bypass the proxy and connect directly. Also known as "no proxy for". | *.example.com, localhost |
| Authentication | Username and password, if required by the proxy server. | user: mypassword |
Why Use Manual Proxy Settings?
- Control: You have complete control over which proxy server your traffic goes through.
- Specific Needs: You can configure different proxies for different protocols or specific websites.
- Troubleshooting: Manual settings can help isolate issues when diagnosing network connectivity problems.
- Security: Using a proxy server adds a layer of security because it hides your IP address.
Practical Examples
Here are some scenarios where manual proxy settings are useful:
- Accessing Geo-Restricted Content: Use a proxy server in a different country to access content blocked in your region.
- Network Security: Implement a proxy server as part of a corporate network security policy.
- Content Filtering: Use a proxy server to filter web content based on specified rules.
- Bypassing Proxy for Local Network: Direct connections to internal servers while routing external traffic through the proxy.
Transfer Protocols
Manual proxy settings often require specifying the protocol for which the proxy should be used. According to the reference, these protocols typically include:
- HTTP
- FTP
- Gopher
- SSL (HTTPS)
- WAIS
