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Proxies ensure that you enjoy high levels of online anonymity. While going through different proxy types, one question might have arisen; what is the difference between data center and residential ? Before we narrow down to the differences between the two proxy types, we need to get a few things straight.
Difference Between Data Center and Residential Proxies: What Is a Proxy?
To understand data center and residential proxy difference better, we need first of all to know what are proxies. You must have heard about proxies and their uses. Proxies play an essential role in data scraping. You must, in one way or the other, used a proxy and a scraper to harvest data online for your business.
So, what are proxies? A proxy is a serve
r that acts as an intermediary between your computer/device and the internet. The server allows you to enjoy high levels of anonymity by masking your real IP address.
How do proxies work? Well, let’s dig deeper. Every device browsing the internet typically has a unique Internet Protocol (IP) address. This address comes from an Internet Service Provider (ISP). The address is so important – it allows your computer/device to communicate with other resources online. An IP address contains a lot of information about your online behavior, as well as your physical location. When you browse the internet, the targeted site can be able to access all this information.
Just like your computer, a proxy server also has its IP address. Every time you browse the web using a proxy, your request will flow from your computer, pass through the proxy server (which in turn changes your IP address) before reaching the page in question. In the same way, the response will flow from the destination page, go through the proxy before reaching your device. This way, your original IP address is not exposed and you get to enjoy online anonymity.
Private, Semi-Dedicated, And Shared Proxies
Proxy servers can either be private, semi-dedicated or shared. Dedicated proxies are proxies that are only used by one individual/business. This means that when you purchase these proxy servers, you are the only one who will be using that proxy. Private proxies reduce the risk of IP blocking significantly.
Shared proxies are proxies that are used by different users. Different people will use a single proxy server (same IP address) to enjoy anonymity.
Semi-dedicated proxies operate the same way as shared . However, in this case, there’s an admin who limits the number of users. To reduce lag, about three users can be able to use a single server.
Before dissecting the differences between residential proxies and data center, let’s look at each one separately.
Difference Between Data Center and Residential Proxies: A Closer Look at Center Proxies
Data center proxies are proxies that aren’t in any way associated with an Internet Service Provider (ISP). This type of proxies originates from third parties and secondary corporations such as Cloud Server Providers. Cloud server providers are not listed as Internet Service Providers which makes these proxies prone to IP banning, flagging, and blacklisting.
Difference Between Data Center and Residential Proxies: A Closer Look at Residential Proxies
A residential proxy is an IP address that has been provided by an Internet Service Provider (ISP) to a real homeowner. Unlike data center, residential proxies are dependent on a real internet connection as well as an ISP. Residential proxies are affiliated to an actual physical location.
The Difference Between Data Center and Residential Proxies
Both data center and residential proxies offer high levels of anonymity. Let’s narrow down the two and highlight their differences.
Residential proxies are:
- Legit
Residential proxies come from a real ISP, making them legitimate. Data center, on the other hand, are provided by cloud server providers (these providers are not listed as ISPs), which makes them illegitimate.
- Not easily blacklisted
Given the fact that they appear legit, they are hard to get banned or flagged.
- Expensive
As compared to data center, residential proxies are more expensive. They are more costly since they hard to blacklist and provide high levels of anonymity.
Data center proxies are:
- Fast
As compared to residential proxies, data center proxies are faster.
- Illegitimate
As mentioned earlier, data center proxies come from cloud server providers, and, therefore, illegitimate. However, they still get the job done – they provide high levels of anonymity! These proxies are prone to blacklisting. To prevent your bot from being banned, ensure you get private data center from a trusted provider.
- Work best for data scraping
Data center proxies work best when harvesting large quantities of data, especially for business. Ensure you get the right proxy from a trusted provider.
- Cheap
As compared to residential , data center are far way much less expensive. They are also faster for the ultimate business experience.
Now that you have understood the difference between data center and residential , it all narrows down to you. Do you require legit and high-security proxies or are you looking for fast, and secure proxies to get your job done? Well, you will be the judge.
