With the growing development of the Internet, network access restrictions have become a common problem faced by many users. Whether it is to break through geographical restrictions to access specific content, or to maintain a stable connection when the network is congested, switching proxies is an effective method. This article will discuss in detail how to quickly switch proxies to deal with various network access restrictions.

What is a proxy?

A proxy server is an intermediate server located between the client and the target server. It can send requests to the target server on behalf of the client and return the target server's response to the client. The main purpose of using a proxy is to enhance the privacy and security of network access or to bypass network access restrictions.

Types of proxies

HTTP proxy: mainly used for web browsing, can proxy HTTP and HTTPS traffic. Suitable for general web browsing needs.

SOCKS proxy: a lower-level proxy protocol that can proxy various types of traffic, including HTTP, FTP, etc. Suitable for scenarios that require higher anonymity and flexibility.

SSH tunnel: an encrypted channel created through the SSH protocol that can proxy various types of traffic. Suitable for technicians and scenarios that require high security.

Choose a suitable proxy tool

In order to quickly switch proxies, you should choose a proxy tool that suits your needs. Here are several common proxy tools and their features:

Browser plug-ins: such as SwitchyOmega and FoxyProxy. These plug-ins are integrated into the browser and allow users to quickly switch between different proxy configurations, suitable for users who need to switch proxies frequently.

Proxy software: such as Proxifier and ProxyCap. These software can forward the traffic of all applications through a specified proxy server, suitable for users who need a global proxy.

Command line tools: such as sshuttle and proxychains. Suitable for technicians and users who need a high degree of customization.

Configure and use proxies

Browser plug-ins

Take SwitchyOmega as an example:

Install the plug-in: Search and install SwitchyOmega in the browser's extension center.

Create a proxy configuration: Open SwitchyOmega, click "New Scenario", and enter the address and port of the proxy server.

Switch proxy: Click the SwitchyOmega icon in the browser and select the required proxy configuration.

Proxy software

Take Proxifier as an example:

Install the software: Download and install the software from the Proxifier official website.

Configure the proxy server: Open Proxifier, click "Proxy Servers", and then click "Add" to add a new proxy server address and port.

Set rules: Set proxy rules for applications in "Profile" and select which applications use the proxy.

Switch proxy: Switch between different proxy configurations as needed.

Command line tool

Take sshuttle as an example:

Install sshuttle: Use the package manager to install sshuttle in the Linux or macOS terminal. For example, install it using Homebrew:

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brew install sshuttle

Create a tunnel: Run the sshuttle command in the terminal, specifying the target server and the subnet to be proxied. For example:

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sshuttle -r user@remote_server 0/0

Switch tunnel: Change the target server address to switch the proxy as needed.

Common scenarios for proxy switching

Bypass geographic restrictions: For example, in mainland China, you can use HTTP proxy to access blocked websites such as Google and Facebook.

Improve access speed: When some servers respond slowly, you can switch to a proxy server closer to you to improve access speed.

Hide real IP: When performing sensitive operations or protecting privacy, you can use a proxy to hide your real IP address.

Access intranet resources: Access internal company resources through SSH tunnels, which is suitable for remote office scenarios.

Notes

Proxy security: Choose a trustworthy proxy service provider, avoid using free and unknown proxy services, and prevent data leakage.

Legal compliance: Understand and comply with the laws and regulations of your country or region, and avoid using proxies for illegal activities.

Performance impact: Using a proxy may affect network performance. Choose a proxy type and server that suits your needs to reduce performance loss.

Automatic switching tool: Use automatic switching tools and scripts to automatically select the best proxy server based on network conditions to improve switching efficiency.

Conclusion

Quickly switching proxies is a practical skill that can help users cope with various network access restrictions. By choosing the right proxy tools and configurations, users can flexibly switch proxies and improve network access experience. When using proxies, pay attention to security and legal compliance, and use proxy resources reasonably to achieve the best results. I hope that the introduction in this article can help readers better understand and apply proxy technology to solve network access problems in daily life.