The proxy server acts between the client and server systems and uses one of its own IP addresses to connect to the server on behalf of the client. A proxy server has many advantages like maintaining anonymity, caching, filtering etc. Given the many uses of a proxy server, let us see how to set up one.
There are many proxy servers available and one of the most used proxy for Windows based systems that use IE is WinProxy . Follow the below steps to set up WinProxy in a LAN.
1. On all the systems connected to the LAN, install TCP/IP protocol.
2. Run the install Wizard that comes along with the download for WinProxy. Enter the product key in the registration page.
3. In the subsequent pages, provide details of your internet service provider like type and name of connection, username and password.
4. Ping all the computers in the network and make sure that they are all interconnected.
5. In the browser of every computer, select Internet Explorer / Tools / Internet options / Connections / LAN Settings / Use a proxy server and provide the necessary Address(proxy address) and port number. Select Bypass server for local (Intranet) addresses.
6. The IP address of the computer with the modem is taken as the external IP address. On that particular system select Internet Explorer / Tools / Internet Options / Connections / Never dial a connection and set the proxy address and port.
7. In the browser of the computer where you have installed the WinProxy, enter http://localhost:/admin to get the configuration of the proxy server.
8. It is not required to connect each time to the proxy if it is a permanent connection. However for dial up connections, you will have to provide the username and password every time for connecting.