What is the difference between the firewall and the proxy?

Firewall Firewall is a router (computer which is able to forward packets between two or more networks) with some restriction rules applied. Application level proxy server Application proxy server is a computer which is able to handle requests in some communication protocols (HTTP,FTP,SOCKS,..). For each used protocol appropriate proxy service must be enabled. Firewall works on the packet level. It can apply Proxy works on application protocol level. They rules on packets to decide whether the packet will doesn't work on packet level so they can't forward be forwarded or denied. packets. The client station have to be configured to use Applications on the client PC have to be configured firewall as default gateway. to use proxy server to access Internet servers. If you disable the firewall (only the router works) all If you disable proxy there is no way to connect LAN station have direct and full Internet access. from the LAN to the Internet servers. Services which use low-level TCP/IP protocols (ping, traceroute,..) will work behind firewall Services which use low-level TCP/IP protocols (ping, traceroute,..) will not work behind proxy.

Why do we need firewall proxy:-

A proxy server can be used for various purposes such as :

Hiding machine or other servers from public. It provides security. To speed up access to resources (using caching). Web proxies are commonly used to cache web pages from a web server. To open blocked sites in college schools and sometimes in offices. To bypass security/ parental controls. To protect your real identity on internet.