SOCKS proxy servers

SOCKS is a networking protocol that enables computers on one side of a SOCKS server to access computers on the other side of a SOCKS server without requiring a direct IP connection. A SOCKS server redirects connection requests from computers on one side of it to computers on the other side of it. A SOCKS server typically authenticates and authorizes requests, establishes a proxy connection, and relays data between the internal and external networks. Crystal Enterprise supports and works with SOCKS servers.

SOCKS servers work by listening for service requests from internal clients. When an internal request is made, the SOCKS server sends the requests to the external network as if the SOCKS server itself was the originating client. When the SOCKS server receives a response from the external server, it returns that response to the original client as if it were the originating external server. This effectively hides the identity and the number of clients on the internal network from examination by anyone on the external network.

For configuration steps, see Configuring for SOCKS servers.