Is it ever theoretically possible for a proxy to be faster than a non-proxy?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the theoretical possibility of a proxy server providing faster connection speeds than a direct connection to an external site. Participants explore scenarios where proxies might enhance performance, particularly in contexts where the direct connection is poor.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests that a proxy could be faster than a direct connection if the user's connection to the external site is poor, while the connections to the proxy are good.
  • Another participant points out that many proxies implement caching mechanisms that can significantly enhance performance.
  • A humorous remark indicates that the situation may be particularly relevant for users in China, implying that proxies might offer advantages in that context.
  • It is noted that if the proxy's connection is better than the user's, physical distance becomes a key factor in determining speed, with proxies potentially being closer to the user than the external server.
  • One participant mentions that proxies can function as load balancers or content engines, suggesting that they can improve speed and security when accessing heavily loaded servers.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express varying views on the conditions under which proxies may be faster than direct connections, indicating that multiple competing perspectives exist without a clear consensus.

Contextual Notes

Participants discuss the performance of proxies in relation to user connection quality and physical distance, but do not resolve the complexities of these factors or their implications for speed.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be of interest to individuals exploring the use of proxies for performance enhancement, network optimization, or those curious about the technical aspects of internet connectivity.

Simfish
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So

(a) User <-> proxy server <-> external site

vs...
(b) User <-> external site

Is it ever possible that (a) could have faster speeds than (b)? Perhaps (a) can have faster speeds in the case that the connection between the user and the external site is poor, but the connection between the user and proxy is good, and proxy and external site is good. How often is this the case?

Is this one of the secondary reasons why proxies are used? (on particular websites - even though proxies are on average slower than non-proxies?) I know that the primary reason for proxies is to hide one's IP address (or to get by access restrictions)

(newbie to proxies here)
 
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It's perfectly possible. Many proxies implement caches that can greatly increase performance. The Microsoft Internet Security & Acceleration Server can be used in this manner for instance.
 
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It's especially possible if you live in China. :D
 
As long as the connection of the proxy is better than yours, then the main determining factor is physical distance. The odds are, you proxy is probably much closer to your location than the average internet server.
 
yeap.. if the proxy is also a Loadbalancer/content engine like a Cisco CSM...any time you go to google.com or to amazon.com or any heaveyload www server, you will never initiate a tcp session with the http server itself, just a "proxie". Its more secure and faster..
 

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