What Are Static And Rotating Proxies? How Do They Work?

Basically, a proxy anonymizes your connection to the internet by masking or hiding your IP (Internet Protocol) address. How does it hide your IP? 

When you route a request through a proxy server, it substitutes your IP address with its own before forwarding the request to the target website’s server. Since an IP address is a numerical label used to identify any device on the internet, the target website’s server believes the request’s source is the proxy server, successfully hiding your identity (IP address).

From this concept of IP address substitution, static and rotating proxies were born. Static proxies substitute your IP address with an IP that does not change (a fixed IP address). Conversely, rotating proxies dynamically substitute your IP address from a pool of changing addresses.

To clearly understand how the proxies successfully mask your IP address, here is a comprehensive look into how static and rotating proxies work. 

Static Proxies 

As mentioned, a static proxy masks your IP address with an unchanging IP address each time you use it. It is also known as a static residential proxy.

Static proxy providers get into contracts with local Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to get access to the unchanging/fixed IPs. In this case, virtual machines are not used to generate IPs. All IP addresses from a static proxy are obtained from an ISP, cloning legitimate consumer behavior. So, how can you connect to one? 

1.Obtain proxy details from a reputable provider 

The key details to obtain include the fixed IP you’ll use, the proxy’s port number, and the authentication credential (if required). The proxy’s port number facilitates communication with the proxy, while the authentication details, including the username and password, may be required for identity verification and access control.

2. Configure your browser to connect to the static proxy

Navigate to your browser’s network settings and find the proxy settings section. Update the section by entering the IP address and port of the static proxy. If needed, provide the authentication details, too. If you find it challenging to configure your browser, check the browser or proxy provider’s documentation for help.

3. Connect to the Proxy

Now, test the connection by visiting a website of your choice. If you’ve configured the browser correctly and the proxy works fine, your internet traffic should flow through the static proxy.

An IP address lookup should bring up the same IP address assigned to you by the static proxy to prove that you are indeed routing requests through the proxy. 

Every time you connect through the proxy, you’d be assigned the same IP address, reducing the likelihood of being flagged as a potential scraper or bot. This is a deal breaker for many when choosing between static and rotating proxies. However, that does not mean rotating proxies are more likely to be flagged as bots. Here is what you need to know.

Related: VPN vs Proxy vs Tor – What’s the Difference?

Rotating Proxies

Compared to a static proxy, a rotating proxy is a proxy server that automatically changes IP addresses. The proxy determines the IP address to use based on either of these IP rotation mechanisms:

1. Request-based rotation

A rotating proxy using a request-based IP rotation mechanism switches IPs after a particular number of requests. For example, after every 80 requests, the proxy gets a new IP from a pool of changing IP addresses.

2. Time-based rotation 

When it comes to a time-based approach, the proxy server changes IP addresses after a specific time interval. The proxy uses a timer to monitor how long an IP address has been used. Once the time expires, the proxy temporarily retires the IP address in use and gets a new IP address. 

3. Randomized rotation 

Some rotating proxies employ a randomized IP changing mechanism instead of relying on a request threshold or fixed interval. The proxy server uses various algorithms to select an IP from a pool of IPs randomly. Proxies using this mechanism provide maximum anonymity, making them suitable for security testing. 

4. Customizable rotation policies

Some proxy providers may allow you to customize rotation policies by defining rules based on requests, time, or randomness. You should set rotation parameters based on your requirements. 

The process of connecting to and using rotating proxies is the same as that of static proxies. What proxy would you use now that you understand how these two proxies work? Consider these factors to help you make a decision.

Related: Firewall vs Proxy

Factors to Consider When Deciding Which Proxy to Use

1. Anonymity and tracking 

Static proxies hold less anonymity as they associate your search activities with a consistent IP. This means your IP may be flagged and blocked. However, static proxies blend in as genuine users, reducing the chances of anti-proxy protocols detecting patterns and making activity tracking harder. 

2. Use cases 

If you want to use a proxy server for an activity that requires you to retain predictable behavior, such as managing multiple social media accounts, use a static proxy. A rotating proxy is ideal for activities that require regular modification, such as SEO monitoring and web scraping. Rotating IPs reduces the likelihood of being blocked by websites. 

3. Speed and performance 

Since static proxies do not have to search for a new IP address each time, they are faster and perform better than rotating proxies. Rotating proxies are relatively slower as they prioritize anonymity over speed.

4. Consistency

If you desire a true local internet experience, use a static proxy. The fixed IP address emulates predictable behavior, letting you experience the web as if physically situated in the proxy server’s location. On the other hand, dynamic proxies are not consistent, making them unsuitable for activities like accessing geo-restricted content. 

5. Cost and availability

Static proxies tend to be costly because you are getting a residential IP. The cost of staying in a contract with ISPs contributes to higher prices. Moreover, static proxies are limited in availability. Conversely, rotating proxies are widely available and affordable. 

Closing Words

Understanding how static and rotating proxies work helps you determine which proxy to use for specific use cases. Remember, a static proxy server provides you with a fixed IP address, while a rotating one changes the IP address dynamically. Assess your use case with the help of this blog post before concluding on the proxy to use.