A proxy server acts as an intermediary between a client, and a ‘target website’. This essentially means that traffic is routed through servers on its way to/from destination sites. This architecture may be put into place for a variety of reasons: • Increased network performance • Achieving better data/information security (i.e. serving as a firewall or filter of sorts) • Caching data in a way that helps streamline requests that often repeat themselves • Enabling better privacy • Enhancing data collection success rates by routing requests for information through local IP addresses