SOCKS (originally not an acronym, but later commonly referred to as “Socket Secure”) is an internet protocol that facilitates communication between a client and a server by routing network packets through a proxy server. This protocol operates at the session (circuit) layer, making it a versatile tool for forwarding any kind of TCP (and, with SOCKS5, UDP) traffic, rather than being limited to web traffic like HTTP proxies.
How SOCKS Works
• A client (such as your computer or an application) connects to a SOCKS proxy server instead of directly to the destination server.
• The SOCKS proxy server then establishes the connection to the target server on behalf of the client, relaying all data between the two.
• The destination server only sees the IP address of the SOCKS proxy, not the original client’s IP, providing a layer of anonymity.
Key Features
• Protocol-Agnostic: SOCKS proxies can handle any type of traffic that runs over TCP (SOCKS4) or both TCP and UDP (SOCKS5), making them suitable for a wide range of applications including web browsing, online gaming, torrenting, and instant messaging.
• No Data Inspection: SOCKS proxies do not interpret or modify the data being transmitted—they simply relay it, making them transparent and efficient for various network protocols.
• Firewall Traversal: SOCKS is often used to allow clients behind a firewall to access external networks securely and flexibly