Rotating proxy
(also rotating IP proxy)
Rotating proxy definition
A rotating proxy is a type of proxy server that automatically changes the IP address it assigns to a user after a certain period or after each request. This constant shift of IP addresses provides enhanced anonymity and security, making it harder for web servers to track or block users. Rotating proxies are widely used in web scraping, ad verification, and other data-intensive tasks where increased privacy is required.
See also: caching proxy, HTTP proxy, transparent proxy
Rotating proxy examples
- Time-based rotating proxies: These proxies rotate the user’s IP address after a set period, such as every 10 minutes.
- Request-based rotating proxies: These proxies change the user’s IP address after every web request.
Comparing rotating proxies to static proxies
While both rotating and static proxies provide increased privacy, rotating proxies offer a higher level of security by constantly changing the user’s IP address. This makes them less likely to be detected and blocked by web servers. However, they can be more challenging to manage and may cause issues with maintaining sessions on websites.
Pros and cons of rotating proxies
Pros:
- Provides increased privacy.
- Reduced risk of IP blocking.
Cons:
- Can be more expensive.
- May cause issues with maintaining sessions.
Using rotating proxies safely
- Ensure you choose a reputable proxy provider.
- Be mindful of potential issues with maintaining sessions on websites.