This is a download averaging 421K without the Proxy Server

This is the very same download averaging 665K with the Proxy Server

Most often I see a doubling in speed between using the Proxy Server and not using it. The above example is actually on the pessimistic side. The Proxy Server is one of the few win-win situations in computer networking. In order to explain what it does, you need a basic understanding of what happens when you connect to another machine on the Internet.

For example, let's say your are accessing IBM's Web Site. Your computer connects all the way over to New York, across several Internet networks, and than retrieves the file from one of IBM's computers. Like this;

As you can see, when you go to IBM's Web Site, your request is really bouncing through roughly 17 computers or routers before arriving at your destination. Each one of these connection points will add significant delay and reduce your speed.

Now, if you're using the Proxy Server, and download the exact same file, here's what happens. Your computer connects to the Proxy server. Then the Proxy Server compares the file you're trying to reach from IBM's server in New York with the file stored locally on itself. If the file is identical, it gets sent from the Proxy Server instead of coming from New York. In this way, the file comes locally from your ISP's network as opposed to crossing several networks to New York city.

It's much faster to get the file from a computer that is close to you, and on your own network, then from one that is several networks and countries away. If you compare the picture below to the one above - you'll see what I mean.

As you can see, using the Proxy Server is the fastest and shortest method. This is why the speed of your Internet surfing is greatly increased. The files or sites you are accessing are actually served up from a local computer in close proximity to you, rather than one located in a distant geographic area. Using the Proxy Server is one of the two main methods of increasing your Internet speed by a significant amount.

First, choose your Internet Service Provider from the bulleted list below. This will cause a new window to open with a list of servers for your ISP. Choose an area closest to yours and then write down the address and the port number (usually 8080) of the Proxy Server. If you don't see your ISP listed please let me know who your provider is by way of the forum and I will try to add their information to the site - to help you & to help others.

• Shaw Cable Systems
• Time Warner's Road Runner Service

OK, so now you should have the address of your ISP's closest Proxy Server, let's move on and actually actually enter that information in Step 2.

Using the Proxy Server has many more benefits than just speed. It can reduce the number of valid IP addresses needed for networking which is a real advantage as these addresses are a limited resource. It also reduces global traffic on the Internet which helps keep the Internet from getting congested. In addition, it also reduces your Internet Service Provider's bandwidth charges and that should keep them from raising their fees! The Proxy Server is a Win-Win technology that has no real detrimental effects. I believe it should be implemented by us as a means to surf responsibly.

When properly implemented and monitored, the Proxy Server should almost always give you increased speed. Some web pages and files are marked by the computers on the Internet as 'Do Not Cache'. That means that there will be some files that the Proxy Server won't cache locally and they have to come from the computer you are going to. Most often this is done for rapidly changing sites like news networks where you wouldn't want to see 'Yesterday's News'.

A good Proxy Server requires monitoring to make sure that it's not being over used. If it is you might find that it does not give a real benefit. That would indicate that the ISP needs to add more servers in an array or update the machine to make it faster. As well, the Proxy Server must have a properly configured caching system. If this system is not configured to check for updates on a regular basis you will get served 'stale' content. A very high speed disk array is vital, and the larger the network, the larger the array needed.

As with any network, you need good people monitoring it to ensure that it runs smoothly and quickly. Microsoft is one of my all time favourites for exceptional network performance and skilful administrators. In my opinion their network is the world's finest in layout, forethought & implementation. That's why I recommend doing your bench-testing against their servers.

Please address all Questions to the Forum