What Is a Proxy Hostname and the Pros & Cons of Using It

When a user sets up a proxy, most people will remember it involves an IP address, a port, and for private solutions, a username and password. All of this information is given after purchasing from the service provider. However, sometimes instead of numbers for the IP address, there might be a domain name or label and if one does not understand what a proxy hostname is, this can be perplexing. This discussion aims to shed light on proxy hostname meaning and its features.

What is a Proxy Hostname?

It is a description which is used to identify a proxy server connection within a network. It can be numeric or alphabetic. As most users know it by numbers, we will define the hostname in this article as a designation which is commonly made up of letters and symbols. Simply put, a domain name serves to replace an IP.

Functions of a Proxy Host

A proxy hostname is very significant in identifying it in a network, as it shows which computer on a given network is to be identified and assists the system in properly guiding the traffic. While connecting, the Domain Name System (DNS) translates the string value into relevant numeric value, with which the connection can be made. Therefore a host can be seen as a starting point where entrance is possessed behind a certain server or cluster of IP’ span.

Proxy hosts of such format are beneficial for highly automated configurations, or in case of utilizing an address pool.

Domain or Plain IP: Features of Proxy Hosts

1. Domain.

Proxy server hostname represented in a domain format have benefits such as easy address management like prompt visual recognition as well as phonetics. Also in domain advertising opportunities arise, notably the capability to enhance the image of the provider, albeit limited to paid segments, this serves secondary purpose rather than a primary one.

Its bearing aliases, augments ease of address management significantly which facilitates the provider. This enables the ability to:

• quickly cascade traffic without requiring parameter adjustments on the client side;
• load balancing;
• enhance flexibility for future growth.

In terms of nuances, there’s the hostname, which operates on the principle that DNS and its associated systems are working correctly. So, for example, if there is failure in this system, the connection may not be reachable.

2. IP address.

Because users can actively view their IP, the format may seem more friendly and easier to use. This is a positive access feature which gives direct and predictable access to the intermediary server.

Because of having such a host, the step of conversion through DNS is eliminated, which usually results in faster access and connection.

This results in the elimination of having to request DNS. The user configuration, however, needs to make all the changes manually, thus, in the case of IP address changes due to policies or rules set. Also, managing pools of IPs without referring and linking to easily understandable hosts is quite hard.

In order to appreciate the primary differences, we suggest looking at the table below.

It is such, for example, the nuances which primarily concern the holder of the infrastructure and not the end user. An example the average user cares to look at is setting up the proxy hostname for WiFi. Let us look at this next.

Setting Up Proxy Hostname for WiFi

For our purposes, we can simplify things by saying that the operation of a proxy over a hostname differs from a classic connection via an IP address in only one way. The difference is in the case of proxy hostname, which goes through DNS resolution, and in the case of IP address, it is used directly. As far as the user in the setup step is concerned, this does not change anything.

While working with a domain name, users need to perform all the steps as they would in the default arrangement. For ease of understanding, we will offer detailed how-to guides for the main operating systems of popular devices which include:

• Windows;
• Android;
• iOS.

Windows

In Windows OS, all users start with manual configuration which they will find in network settings. In case of using private options, login credentials will be asked in the application being used, which will in most cases, be a browser.

For such configuration, the operating system allows the user to be automatically configured to use a PAC file, or to manually enter a host and port. With respect to such configuration, the user can set a new IP address for the entire system or set a new IP address locally for a specific program.

Android

On Android, each Wi-Fi network’s parameters can be configured individually. This enables the use of a server without credentials, but only for traffic that is routed through browsers.

In order to set up mobile data or apps, paid private servers require additional dedicated software known as proxy clients or proxifiers like software.

Use these instructions to set up Android which accommodate both of them.

iOS

From an iPhone or iPad, the address can be set directly as part of the selected Wi-Fi network. Proxy hostname and port, automated or manual PAC URL configuration, and authentication can all be set. Such changes are only applicable to the joined Wi-Fi network and ensure consistent functionality through built-in apps and system services.

Details instructions with images for iOS are provided at this link.

How to Know the IP Address if the Hostname is a Domain?

While some users may not be concerned with the proxy hostname's specific numeric value, others may be interested in: how to get a proxy hostname IP address. Specialized checkers are able to reveal IPs. Simply landing on the site of the checker will automatically display the information. Apart from the address other useful pieces of information may include:

• current provider;
• location;
• operating system used;
• browser version.

These details can help one assess whether the intermediary server is functioning properly and assess the level of confidentiality of the connection.

Conclusion

In most cases, a proxy hostname serves more than just the need to replace an IP address and provides flexibility and ease when the servers need to be changed frequently. A domain name simplifies the setup procedure, facilitates management of IP pools, decreases the likelihood of misconfiguration, and eliminates configuration mistakes.

Using a hostname as the controlling interface does entail an additional step of DNS resolution, but this drawback is offset by the flexibility offered. For many individuals and businesses alike, having a hostname as the point of reference greatly simplifies the management interface and provides ease of control in the future interactions.

In case precincts of speed and independence from DNS is needed, an IP address is much more favorable. On the other hand, if greater flexibility in management is desired, a domain will be more preferable. However, for the end user there is not a big difference since the configuration and operational principle will not change.