What role does a proxy server play in a network?

A proxy server acts as an intermediary between a client and a server, which is the core function of this technology. When a client, like a user's computer, requests resources from a server, the request is first sent to the proxy server. The proxy server then forwards this request to the actual server, retrieves the response, and sends it back to the client. This process has several advantages, including improved security, cache management, and content filtering.

For instance, by using a proxy, organizations can monitor and filter requests based on their policies. Additionally, proxy servers can cache content to speed up access to frequently requested resources while also anonymizing the client's request, thereby enhancing privacy.

While connecting multiple devices and routing traffic is critical in network design, that description more accurately aligns with the function of a router or a switch, rather than a proxy server. Data encryption is a separate function typically associated with VPNs (Virtual Private Networks) or secure communication protocols, not the primary role of a proxy server itself.