proxy server A hardware device that acts on behalf of other devices for purposes such as data storage and security. A proxy server can locally cache frequently accessed documents in order to reduce the level of Internet traffic to a remote server. A proxy server also may support a proxy firewall, thereby serving as both a logical and physical barrier. See also proxy, proxy firewall, and security. 74570c16.qxd 9/11/07 12:27 PM Page 394 |