A transparent proxy is a server that intercepts the connection between an end-user or client and a web server. It acts as an intermediary system that sits between a user and a content provider. Unlike non-transparent proxies, transparent proxies do not require any configuration on the client side, so users don’t need to download any apps or make any configuration changes on their end to use them. Instead, configuration is left to the service provider, which has greater control over how users interact with their services.

Transparent proxies can be used for content filtering, such as blocking unwanted traffic based on a set of rules. They can also be used for caching, which helps to save bandwidth. For example, if a company has a hundred computers that all need to download a specific software update, it’s enough for one computer to request a download. It will then be cached and stored on the proxy server. When other computers request the same software, it will be sent straight from the proxy.

Transparent proxies can be used for monitoring traffic such as requests and connection statistics on a network. They can also be used for cybersecurity purposes, such as defending a web server against a distributed denial-of-service attack (DDoS).

In summary, a transparent proxy is a server that intercepts the connection between an end-user or client and a web server. It can be used for content filtering, caching, monitoring traffic, and cybersecurity purposes.