How much speed is lost using proxy server

[Travis]

Hello guys, I was wondering how much speed do you think is lost when you connect to a broadband Intetnet connection through a proxy server versus going straight to the main interface. I am now using Win2000 Sever as a server and Internet Sharing, (proxy) but was considering buying a router because my speed seems to decrease when I use any pc other than my server.

Thanx

 

[ScottMac]

It's all tied to the speed and efficiency of the proxy. Some hardware is more efficient, some software is more efficient. How much other activity is going on in that box, etc also makes a difference. Generally speaking, it's a compromise, and "connection shareing" will be much slower than a dedicated router/FW (ala LinkSys, SMC, etc).

A specific value (like a performance ratio) can't be determined because of the spectrum of possible computers, software, activity levels, cabling, ISPs and other factors is so broad. Generally speaking, a dedicated, built-for-purpose box is gonna outperform an adapted PC, especially if the PC is running an MS product (LINUX would be faster on the same platform). If I had to throw a dart....I'd guess that a LinkSys (SMC, D-link, ...) router is probably in the neighborhood of 15-30% faster/more efficient than a PC with Windows...but again, that's just me pulling a number out of a dark place.....

FWIW

Scott

 

[Ender78]

Depends on a few things:

- server performance
- age of content (if you are visiting a new page, it will be no faster, since your request is relayed, it will take a bit longer than it would if you were making the request yourself)
- Proxy servers serve little use on small networks (they work very well in larger enviroments where the cache may have a local copy of the data you want).

 

[Travis]

Thanks for the responses I went out at lunch and purchased a SOHOware NBG800 router.