Network intelligence has advanced with the development of enhanced tools and network services such as the proxy server.

A client initially connects with a proxy server to send a request, such as accessing a file or opening a Web page. The proxy server filters and evaluates each IP address and request. The verified request is forwarded to the relevant server, which requests the service on behalf of the client.

A proxy server is used for many purposes, including:

• To provide internal system security
• To speed up resource access
• To apply access policies for tracking organizational Internet use or assessing employee progress.
• To bypass special controls, such as parental or security controls
• To scan for viruses and malware
• To circumvent regional restrictions
• To allow websites to make requests to externally hosted resources when cross-domain restrictions prohibit websites from linking to outside domains