What is a proxy subnet and what does it affect?

All proxy servers belong to one common network. This network, in turn, is divided into groups for better interaction between proxies - they are called subnets. In this article we will explain what proxy subnets are, what types they are and what they affect.

What is a proxy subnet?

Before we get to the topic of proxy subnets, let's understand what subnets are in principle.

An IP subnet is a network of devices or IP addresses with a common address range. It is created by dividing a large network into groups. Devices on the same subnet work better and faster with each other because traffic is routed more efficiently. This segmentation helps control traffic, optimize performance, and make network management easier.

Proxy subnets are intermediate networks that increase security between the Internet and the internal network. Proxy subnets represent a set of IP addresses. For example, one subnet might be assigned a range of IP addresses from 181.157.1.1 to 181.147.1.348. The subnets are isolated from each other.

Types of proxy server subnets

As we found out earlier, a proxy subnet is an intermediary network between the internet and the network. There are 2 kinds of proxy subnets:

• Internal. They are used to route traffic between two internal networks. They are not accessible to external resources on the internet. The implication is that only specific computers can connect to private subnets, which provides protection against leakage during data transfer. For example, this could be a corporate network in an office;
• External. Involved in routing traffic between two external networks. Available to all networks and can exchange data with them. These subnets contain resources that require access from the outside. For example, web servers.

A proxy subnet provides security between the server and the user, and helps cache data related to computers on the internal network.

Types of subnets matter when using a proxy. There are times when a user purchases a proxy and gets an IP address from a public network. This enables him to visit web resources unhindered and use them freely. 

Proxy servers belonging to private subnets restrict actions on the Internet, so they are used in corporate networks to control traffic.

How do subnets affect proxies?

The division of IP addresses into subnets affects the functionality and reliability of a proxy server. Let's consider the positive aspects of subnets:

• configuring a subnet helps to more easily implement security measures to protect IP addresses;
• subnets facilitate administration, management and allow for quick servicing of IP addresses;
• the use of subnets minimizes the impact of failures on other parts of the network;
• subnetting optimizes traffic management and routing, which improves proxy server speed and resource availability.

However, subnets can negatively affect the work of proxies. For example, if the system detects suspicious activity, it may ban not just one IP address, but an entire subnet. This causes negative consequences: IP address blocking on web resources, deterioration of subnet reputation and its blacklisting.

How to avoid negative influence of subnets on proxy operation: tips 

There are 3 ways to help eliminate the association of an IP address with a separate subnet and protect the IP from the negative influence of the subnet. Let's take a closer look at each of them:

1. Choose proxies that belong to different subnets. If you purchase a whole pool of proxies from one subnet, there is a risk of losing all IP addresses due to bans. Therefore, to avoid mass bans, choose proxies from different subnets.
2. Choose only private proxy subnets. Private subnets are organized using dedicated hardware and a subnet mask that defines the number of computers that can be connected. In this case, there will be secure data exchange between computers within the same organization. In addition, access to web resources can be controlled and traffic can be routed. 
3. Use mobile or residential proxies. Residential and mobile proxies are dynamic, that is, they have a changing IP address. Due to the fact that when using these types of proxies the IP address is constantly changing, they are rarely banned and the importance of the subnet in this case is reduced. 

Subnets are one of the factors that affect proxy operation. If the system detects suspicious activity from an IP address, it will ban the entire subnet, even if the violation was detected only at one IP. However, it is possible to avoid negative influence of subnets, and there are 3 ways to do it: choose proxies from different subnets, private subnets or rent mobile or residential proxies.

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