Static vs. Rotating Residential Proxies – Differences and Use Cases

Proxies are infrastructures that interface between a user and the internet. These devices (software or hardware) change users’ IP addresses when they access the internet. Doing this helps the user achieve anonymity, as the traffic can’t be traced back to their browsers.

The IP address carries identity information whenever a user tries to access the internet. Proxies stop this. Proxies can be classified in different ways, with the most common comparison based on the internet protocol version they are compatible with – IPv4 and IPv6 proxies. However, proxies can also be classified into rotating and static residential proxies.

What Are Rotating Proxies?

These proxy devices automatically assign a new proxy to your devices from a pool of IP addresses. The rotation can, however, occur at predetermined intervals or randomly. Sometimes, the rotation of IP can be based on the number of requests you’ve already made.

Every type of proxy can be rotated, depending on how you set it up. Since the proxy’s location is unrelated, rotating proxies aid your security.

Most proxy servers are comprised of residential IP addresses because they are the freest IP addresses, as users are more likely to suffer terrible internet connection.

For users, rotating proxies don’t grant direct proxy IP access. They assign a back-connect IP address, a gateway connecting you to the proxy pool.

Rotating proxies are your best option when you have tasks that require constantly changing your IP address. Here’s how they work:

• When a user makes a connection request, it’s directed toward the target website – alongside their IP address.
• But since they use a proxy, the server receives their request first.
• Then, the server replaces the IP address accompanying the request. Thus hiding the original address.
• The server then forwards the request with a new IP address.
• A response from the target website courses the same channel back to the user.

The assignment of a new IP address occurs with each request you make, whether it’s going to the same website or another.

What Are Static Residential Proxies?

Static residential proxies are supplied by ISPs, which you can use for whatever duration you want. These IP addresses are stable and dependable while also delivering on the anonymity front. These proxies select an address from the IP pool that consists of ISP and data center proxies because they are the only types of proxies that can be static. Back-connects and residential proxies can’t be static.

When you use a static proxy, the IP address seen by your target server remains unchanged, even if your computer has dynamic IP addresses.

Unlike rotating IP addresses, static addresses are always online and keep assigning a single IP address to a specific user. These proxies work best on computers than on mobile devices.

Static proxies work similarly to rotating IPs, which means the request moves from the user to the proxy, then to the destination, and back to the proxy server.

What Are Rotating Proxies Used For?

Price Comparison

Businesses need all the data possible, and web scraping is one way to get it. However, servers have implemented several blocking measures against scraping, which makes it difficult for scrapers to do their work. IP rotation can help as it becomes almost impossible for the server defense’s system to know that the multiple data extraction requests are coming from a single source.

Furthermore, globalization is the mark of a modern business. Hence, operating international branches and services require using local IPs for effectiveness. With IP rotation, a business can reach new customers in different locations. Serving global customers, more so, requires worldwide price regulation. IP rotation helps with this.

Improved Conversion

With IP rotation, it’s easier to do competitor research, which forces you to iterate on business strategies. Without deep search processes like web scraping, it isn’t easy to know what your competitors are up to. Web scraping also helps you compare their strategies with yours. Overall, all these wouldn’t happen without IP rotation’s anonymity.

Improved Security and Performance

Since the IP addresses from rotating proxies are ever-changing, it’s difficult to track your online activities. This, in turn, protects your systems.

When picking a rotating proxy provider, ensure it’s a paid version, as these offer better assurance and efficiency. Paid rotating proxies also have great support systems for users. 

What Are Static Residential Proxies Used For?

Static residential addresses are best when you need speed and high performance. These proxies combine the strengths of residential IP addresses with the speed of data centers. Here are some uses of static residential proxies:

• Accessing geo-restricted content and avoiding location-based blocking
• Getting early access to products, especially exclusive deals targeted at different markets from yours.

The stability of static residential proxies also makes them great for businesses. View this website for more information.

Conclusion

Which proxy type you decide to use depends on your needs. If you want to scrape the web, then rotating proxies are best. Static residential proxies work if you need to keep a stable identity for a long time.