The difference between static and dynamic proxies

Proxy servers can be categorized based on how they manage IP rotation, which is the process of regularly changing the IP address through which user requests are routed. This rotation happens within a defined proxy pool—a collection of IP addresses from a specific geolocation preferred by the user. Based on this criterion, proxies are classified as static or dynamic. Next, we will explore the key differences between these two types of proxies, as well as the distinctive features of each.

Definition and types of static proxies

Static proxies utilize a fixed IP address that does not change over time. When a user opts for a static IP proxy, they are assigned an IP address that remains consistent until the user decides to disable it or alter the settings themselves. Within the category of static proxies, there are two main types:

• Data Center Proxy (IPv4/IPv6);
• ISP Proxies.

The primary differences between data center proxies and ISP proxies largely revolve around their pricing and performance.

Datacenter proxies are situated in private data centers and are known for being the most affordable option on the market. They are sometimes offered for free; however, it's crucial to consider that their performance metrics typically fall short of those provided by paid, private proxies.

On the other hand, ISP proxies are owned by Internet service providers and are hosted on their servers. These proxies offer higher and more stable data transmission rates compared to data center proxies, which justifies their higher cost.

Purposes of using static proxies

A static proxy can be set up so that each user's internet session retains the same IP address consistently. For example, configuring a proxy at the operating system level means that the network connection will continue to route through the proxy server, even after restarting the PC. This stability is particularly advantageous for various applications:

• Managing social media accounts. Users can manage multiple accounts on social networks by assigning different static IP addresses from various locations. This helps in creating and operating multiple distinct profiles without triggering security flags.
• Remote access. For remote connections, having a static IP is crucial as it ensures that the connection remains stable and consistent throughout the session, which is vital for both security protocols and reliability.
• Online gaming. A consistent IP address can establish direct and stable routes to game servers, which helps in reducing latency or ping. This is critical for enhancing the gaming experience. Moreover, players who face IP-based restrictions or bans can circumvent these issues using static proxies.

Therefore, a private static proxy is ideal for tasks that demand a consistent and stable connection from a specific IP address, making it suitable for scenarios where reliability and consistency are key.

Advantages of static proxies

Based on the operating principle of static proxies, they offer the following advantages:

• They provide high connection speeds and do not have traffic limits;
• They are generally low-cost.

If there is a need to configure IP rotation, users can achieve this using additional tools, such as a browser extension or specialized software that enables manual rotation configuration.

Disadvantages of static proxies

When using static proxy servers, users might face several challenges due to the nature and operation of these proxies:

• Increased captcha prompts: static proxies often trigger frequent captcha verifications, which can complicate tasks and incur additional costs for solving these captchas;
• Risk of IP blocks: IPv4/IPv6 data center proxies are prone to being blocked by security systems of web resources, as these IP addresses are typically not recognized as those of genuine users;
• High costs: acquiring a large pool of static IP addresses can be expensive.

Given these issues, for tasks that require high traffic consumption or a large number of requests, dynamic IP addresses are generally more suitable than static ones. Dynamic IPs can help avoid some of the common pitfalls associated with static proxy usage.

What are dynamic proxies

Dynamic proxies offer IP address rotation, which alters the user's IP address throughout their internet session. This rotation can follow various algorithms, such as:

• Time-based: the user sets an interval for IP changes, for example, every 5 or 30 minutes;
• Request-based: the IP address changes after the intermediary server processes a predetermined number of requests;
• URL request-triggered: the IP switches when the user executes a specific command in the management interface, like clicking a link;
• Node disconnection: if a proxy node becomes unavailable, a new IP address is assigned automatically.

These rotations are managed within a single proxy pool, which includes IP addresses from a network operator or geolocation selected by the user. The dynamic category encompasses two types of proxy servers: mobile and residential, each providing different levels of authenticity and potential for avoiding detection.

Applications of rotating proxies

Dynamic IP addresses are difficult to block, even when they generate a high volume of requests or consume significant amounts of traffic. This makes rotating proxies particularly useful in several areas:

• SEO promotion. Rotating proxies are integrated into software for backlinking, data scraping, scanning, and competitor analysis. They help avoid access blocks and gather data by simulating various geolocations, making them crucial for SEO tasks.
• E-commerce. Dynamic IP addresses enable users to circumvent site restrictions and reduce the risk of being blocked, which is essential for activities on marketplaces and sneaker hunting using specialized software like sneaker bots.
• SMM Promotion. Dynamic proxies help overcome platform limits on the number of accounts per IP address and support automation processes without the risk of account blocks. They are beneficial for mass account registration and can enable unlimited engagement activities like following, liking, and commenting. Since requests come from various IPs, they do not raise suspicions on the end server.

Using dynamic IP addresses for tasks that involve automation through special programs generally yields more effective results than using static IP addresses.

Mobile dynamic proxies

Mobile IP addresses are associated with mobile operators and rely on devices equipped with SIM cards supporting 3G, 4G, or 5G connections. Due to the limited number of IP addresses available in mobile networks, these addresses are continuously rotated and reassigned among users, optimizing the use of mobile operator resources.

When a user purchases a mobile proxy, they gain access to a pool of dedicated IP addresses from a specific mobile operator, within a chosen location. Typically, the rotation of these IP addresses is either based on predetermined time intervals or can be triggered manually upon user request. This flexibility allows users to effectively manage their online presence and activities without being restricted by IP-related limitations.

Advantages of mobile proxies:

• Resistance to blocking. Mobile IPs are rarely blocked because doing so could affect tens of thousands of other users who might be assigned the same IP. This high user turnover helps maintain access to web resources.
• Flexible IP rotation. Mobile proxies allow configuration to rotate IP addresses on demand, making them highly adaptable for tasks that require frequent IP changes.
• Enhanced anonymity. It is challenging to track users or detect the use of a proxy when mobile IPs are used, enhancing privacy.
• Cost-effectiveness. For users requiring a large number of IP addresses, mobile proxies can be more economical compared to buying an equivalent number of server or ISP proxies.

Disadvantages of mobile proxies:

• Limited bandwidth. 4G connections, commonly used with mobile proxies, typically offer up to 30 MB of bandwidth, which might not suffice for high-demand applications.
• Dynamic IP addresses. The nature of mobile proxies does not allow for a fixed IP address to be maintained over an extended period, which can be problematic for certain uses.
• Not ideal for high-traffic tasks. Mobile proxies are often unsuitable for activities that involve substantial data transfer, such as large file downloads, uploads, or streaming video, due to their limited bandwidth and high latency.

Residential dynamic proxies

Residential proxies are connected to real users' home internet, making them highly trusted due to their association with genuine IP addresses in specific geolocations. These proxies operate by individuals granting permission to utilize their PCs as proxy nodes, routing user requests through them. The dynamic assignment of IP addresses is crucial for ensuring a stable internet connection for proxy users, especially if the PC providing the IP address becomes unavailable, such as when it is turned off.

Rotation of residential proxies typically occurs under two scenarios:

• Time-based rotation. Users can select specific time intervals for IP rotation, accommodating tasks that require a consistent IP address for a set duration.
• Sticky rotation. This occurs when the proxy node goes offline or is otherwise disrupted. This method maintains the same IP address until the node becomes unavailable, then switches to another, providing continuity until a disruption.

These rotation methods make residential proxies versatile, and suitable for a broad array of tasks, from data scraping to maintaining anonymity over extended periods.

Advantages of residential proxies:

• Wide geo-coverage. Residential proxies offer extensive geographic options, allowing users to choose proxies from virtually any country and even specific localities, ensuring global reach and local precision.
• High trust factor. Because they are tied to real residential IP addresses, these proxies are recognized as legitimate by most online services, reducing the likelihood of being flagged as suspicious.
• Reduced blocking and captchas. The authentic nature of residential IPs means they are less likely to be blocked by websites and are not commonly prompted for captchas, ensuring smoother browsing and automation activities.

Disadvantages of residential proxies:

• Limited IP control. While the “Sticky” option allows users to retain the same IP for a session, residential proxies generally do not allow for a fixed IP to be pinned down for extended periods, nor do they guarantee how long a particular IP will be available.
• Higher costs. Residential proxies typically cost more than other types of proxies because they are priced based on the amount of traffic they handle, reflecting the premium nature of genuine residential IPs.

Recommendations for choosing between static and dynamic proxies

When choosing a proxy server, it's essential to recognize the fundamental differences between the types of proxies available. These distinctions will be outlined in a comparison table we will discuss next.

For tasks requiring a constant IP address over several days or longer, static proxies are recommended. The decision between using a data center proxy and an ISP proxy depends on the specific needs of the user. Datacenter proxies are effective for easily bypassing geo-restrictions to access various web resources or entertainment content. For online gaming, an ISP proxy is preferable as it offers faster data transfer rates and a lower likelihood of being blocked or triggering captchas.

Dynamic proxies are more suited for automating processes on social media platforms or in online stores. They integrate seamlessly with automation software, and their high trust factor and operational principles minimize the risk of blocking. Dynamic proxies are also secure for conducting financial transactions due to their robust verification by web security systems. Mobile proxies are ideal for account registration and ongoing management, offering access to a vast pool of IP addresses at competitive rates. Meanwhile, residential proxies are the top choice for tasks needing precise geotargeting and a high trust level in the IP address.