Abstraction

Abstraction is a software engineering technique used to reduce complexity by providing a higher-level outlook of a system’s functioning. In computer networking, abstraction is primarily used in proxy servers. A proxy server acts as a gateway between the end user requesting the webpage and the resources of the Internet. It separates the user interface and the data path, allowing the user to interact with the resources without directly exposing the device to external threats.

When talking about abstracted proxy servers, the client does not interact with the remote server directly. Instead, the traffic between the two devices is routed through a third-party server that the client knows as the proxy server. This third-party server manages all communication between the client and remote server while the client remains unaware of the remote server’s actual identity. The proxy server provides a layer of abstraction between the two endpoints by hiding the identity of the remote server.

In addition to simplifying communication, proxy servers can also improve security by adding additional security measures and limiting access to applications. For example, a proxy server can filter traffic using keywords and block high-risk websites or malicious attacks. Abstraction also allows the authentication process to be externalized, allowing users to be authenticated independently of the remote server.

The use of abstraction within proxy servers allows for flexibility in client-server communication. It limits the user’s direct exposure to the outside, potentially dangerous, environment, while providing a secure interface for communication. The server can remain anonymous and the intermediate server enforces security and limits access, allowing users to benefit from a safe and secure browsing experience.