Skip to contentVPN and proxy glossary
Clear, honest definitions of the VPN and proxy terms you will meet across s4m and the wider industry. Bookmark this page as a quick reference while you set up a tunnel or route traffic through a proxy.
Browse all terms
Every term with its own in-depth page — browse the full list page by page.
Sticky Session
A sticky session keeps you on the same exit IP for a period so a site sees one continuous visitor. Learn when it matters and how it differs from rotation.
Read →TCP
TCP is the reliable, ordered transport protocol behind most internet traffic. Learn how it guarantees delivery and how it interacts with proxies.
Read →TLS Fingerprint
A TLS fingerprint identifies a client from the details of its TLS handshake, even over HTTPS. Learn how JA3 and JA4 derive it and why it matters.
Read →TLS Handshake
The TLS handshake is the negotiation that sets up an encrypted HTTPS session. Learn its steps and why it is also a source of client fingerprints.
Read →Throughput
Throughput is the actual rate of data a connection delivers, distinct from headline bandwidth. See how proxies, latency and protocols affect it.
Read →Traceroute
Traceroute maps the hops a packet takes to a destination, exposing where delay or loss appears. See how to read it and what a VPN or proxy hides.
Read →Transparent Proxy
Transparent proxy can mean network interception or an IP-revealing label. Learn the difference and how to check an exit.
Read →Tunneling
Tunneling wraps one network protocol inside another, the basis of every VPN. Learn how encrypted tunnels protect your traffic and how s4m uses them.
Read →UDP
UDP is a lightweight transport protocol that trades reliability for speed. Learn where it is used, how QUIC builds on it, and which proxies relay it.
Read →Uptime
Uptime is the share of time a service stays online and reachable, often shown as a percentage. Learn why it matters for proxies and automation.
Read →User Agent
A User-Agent is a header that identifies the browser or tool making a request. Learn how sites use it and why it must match your other signals.
Read →V2Ray
V2Ray is a flexible platform for building proxy connections with multiple protocols and disguises. Learn what it does and how it relates to s4m.
Read →VLESS
VLESS is a lightweight, stateless proxy protocol used with V2Ray and Xray, often paired with TLS. Learn how it works and how it relates to s4m.
Read →VPN
A VPN encrypts all your device traffic through a remote server, hiding your IP and securing your connection. Learn how it works and what s4m offers.
Read →Via Header
Via describes HTTP intermediaries and protocol information. Learn what it indicates, how it differs from XFF, and why absence does not prove anonymity.
Read →Web Scraping
Web scraping is the automated extraction of data from websites. Learn the core techniques, the etiquette that avoids blocks, and where proxies fit.
Read →WebRTC Leak
A WebRTC leak can expose your real IP through the browser even behind a VPN. Learn why it happens and how to stop the browser from revealing your address.
Read →WireGuard
WireGuard is a fast, modern VPN protocol with a tiny codebase and strong cryptography. Learn how it works and how s4m offers it.
Read →X-Forwarded-For
X-Forwarded-For records client IP information through proxies. Learn why trust boundaries and the headers actually received matter more than anonymity labels.
Read →Ready to hide your IP?
People found this page by searching for
- VPN and proxy glossary
- VPN & proxy guides
- compare your options
- is VPN and proxy glossary safe
- VPN and proxy glossary for scraping
- how to set up socks5 proxy
- free proxy list
- dedicated ip
- proxy setup
- free proxy list
Real search phrases this page answers — the linked ones open the page that covers them in depth.