In this guide, you'll explore everything about data center proxies, including the different types like static, rotating, shared, and private proxies. We'll cover how they work, their key benefits for tasks like web scraping and managing multiple accounts, and why they are an essential tool for both individuals and businesses. This article is part of a comprehensive guide on proxy servers, designed to give you an in-depth understanding of different types of proxies and their specific use cases. For a complete overview and more detailed insights, we recommend exploring the full guide.

What Are Data Center Proxies

In simple terms, a proxy server is an intermediary that relays information between a user and a target server (like a website), masking the user’s real IP address with its own. Essentially, it’s a program running on a physical device that has an IP address.

This device can be anything from a smartphone or laptop to a home PC, a data center server, or even an internet-connected coffee maker.

Data center proxies, or DC Proxies for short, are proxy servers whose physical hardware is located in a data center, and their IP addresses are registered to an IT company that is not a home internet provider.

These two features—being hosted in a data center and having IPs registered to an IT company —set data center proxies apart from other types like residential and mobile proxies. These characteristics are the foundation of their key qualities: high speed and reliability. However, they also contribute to slightly lower trust levels compared to residential or mobile proxies.

In this guide, we’ll explore these aspects in more detail, helping you understand how data center proxies work and what makes them a unique choice for various online tasks.

What Types of Data Center Proxy Servers Are There?

Data center proxy servers come in several varieties, each designed to meet different needs. Whether you prioritize speed, anonymity, or cost-effectiveness, understanding these types can help you make the best choice for your specific requirements. Here’s a breakdown of the key types:

• Virgin, Shared, Semi-Dedicated, and Private Proxies

• Static and Rotating Proxies

• HTTP and SOCKS Proxies

Each of these proxy types has its unique strengths and best-use scenarios. Let’s dive into what sets them apart.

Shared Data Center Proxies

Shared proxies are used by multiple users at the same time. In the context of data center proxies, shared proxies are a budget-friendly option because the cost is divided among several users. It’s important to note that the term "shared" is specifically used for data center proxies, as residential and mobile proxies are inherently shared by design. While they offer basic anonymity, shared proxies can be slower and more prone to being blocked, especially if other users are involved in activities that attract attention or trigger security measures. Despite these drawbacks, shared proxies can be a good fit for non-critical tasks where affordability is key.

Semi-Dedicated Data Center Proxies

Semi-dedicated proxies are shared among a small group of users, typically two or three. This term is specific to data center proxies, as residential and mobile proxies do not typically offer this type of configuration. Semi-dedicated proxies strike a balance between cost and performance. In data center proxies, semi-dedicated proxies provide more consistent performance and a lower risk of being blocked compared to fully shared proxies. With fewer users sharing the resource, the chance of encountering issues due to the activities of others is reduced. This makes semi-dedicated proxies suitable for tasks like web scraping, social media management, and moderate automation.

Private Data Center Proxies

Private proxies are exclusively used by one person, and this concept is most relevant in the context of data center proxies. Unlike residential and mobile proxies, which are inherently shared, data center proxies can be truly private. For data center proxies, private proxies offer the highest level of performance, speed, and reliability because no one else shares the resource. They are ideal for large-scale automated tasks, competitive research, or any activity where maintaining a stable and uninterrupted connection is crucial. Private proxies also offer the highest level of anonymity and the lowest risk of being blocked, as there’s no chance of another user’s activities affecting the proxy’s reputation.

Virgin Data Center Proxies

Virgin proxies are brand-new IPv4 proxies that have never been used before. This term is particularly relevant to data center proxies because other types of proxies, like residential and mobile, are inherently shared and have been previously used. These proxies come with clean IP addresses, meaning they have no history of prior activity. In data center proxies, virgin proxies are perfect for situations where avoiding detection or bans is critical, such as creating new accounts on social media platforms or performing tasks where the IP’s history might impact success. However, it’s important to be cautious of claims about "virgin" IPv4 proxies. Given the scarcity of IPv4 addresses, finding a provider that can genuinely guarantee unused, virgin IPs is highly unlikely.

Static Data Center Proxies

Data center static proxies are servers that maintain the same IP address over an extended period, making them truly static. This is crucial for situations where keeping the same IP is essential, such as logging into websites, managing multiple accounts, or avoiding detection and blocks from target sites. For example, static proxies are ideal for tasks like online banking, social media management, or any scenario where IP stability is necessary.

Static proxies are particularly popular among users of anti-detect browsers like GoLogin, Dolphin Anty, Linken Sphere, and Incogniton. In these browsers, the combination of a static IP with a consistent browser fingerprint and cookies is vital for long-term tasks. The static IP ensures that your online identity remains stable, preventing the kind of changes that could trigger suspicion or lead to blocks.

When a client subscribes to a data center static proxy service, they receive a list of proxy IPs. This list remains unchanged throughout the duration of the service. If needed, the client has the option to refresh the proxy list, typically once or twice a month. This feature allows for flexibility while maintaining the stability that static proxies provide. Unlike residential or mobile proxies, which might change IPs due to their dynamic nature, data center static proxies offer the reliability needed for tasks that require a steady and unchanging IP address.

Learn more about Static Proxies

Rotating Data Center Proxies

Data center rotating proxies are designed to automatically change the IP address with each request or after a set period, offering flexibility and enhanced anonymity.

Unlike static proxies, where the IP remains consistent, rotating proxies allow for dynamic IP changes, which can be crucial for tasks where frequent identity shifts are necessary to avoid detection, such as web scraping or accessing websites that are sensitive to repeated requests from the same IP.

The way it works is simple: instead of providing a list of static proxies, the user receives one or more gateways.

A proxy gateway could be:

an IP address

11.123.123.123

or a domain name

gateway.proxyservice.com

The client enters this gateway into their software, and with each new request, or after a set interval (such as every 5 or 10 minutes), the gateway automatically assigns a new IP address from a pool of available IPs. This continuous rotation helps in avoiding detection and reducing the risk of IP bans, making it easier to perform tasks that would otherwise trigger security mechanisms if a single IP were used consistently.

Learn more about Rotating Proxies

How Data Center Proxy Pricing Works

When it comes to pricing data center proxy servers, the model typically differs from other types of proxies. Unlike residential or mobile proxies, data center proxies usually don’t charge based on the amount of traffic you use—traffic is often unlimited.

However, in some cases, there may be a fair use policy in place, meaning if a user consumes excessive bandwidth, their usage might be throttled to maintain overall service quality.

The cost of a proxy package is primarily determined by the number of IP addresses included in the package. Generally, the more IPs you purchase in a package, the lower the cost per IP.

Pricing can range from around $5 per IP for smaller packages to just a few cents per IP for larger bulk orders.

Additionally, the price can vary depending on how many users share the same IP—private proxies command a higher price, while shared or semi-dedicated proxies are more affordable.

This tiered pricing model allows businesses to choose the most cost-effective solution for their specific needs.

Cheap Data Center Proxies

Data center proxies are the ideal solution for obtaining cheap proxies. If the target site you need to work with doesn’t employ advanced protection methods like CAPTCHA, MaxMind protection, or other sophisticated anti-automation techniques, then data center proxies are the cheapest option for acquiring a large number of high-quality IP addresses.

These proxies offer excellent speed, stability, and support for various protocols. The most cost-effective deals start at just $0.05 per IP when purchasing a large package of shared data center proxies.

Top 10 Countries for Data Center Proxies

When selecting data center proxies, certain countries stand out due to their extensive data center infrastructure, proximity to major online platforms, and robust internet connectivity.

Here’s a look at the top 10 countries by the number of data centers they host *:

1. USA - 5,388 data centers

2. Germany - 522 data centers

3. UK - 517 data centers

4. China - 449 data centers

5. Canada - 336 data centers

6. France - 315 data centers

7. Australia - 306 data centers

8. Netherlands - 300 data centers

9. Russia - 255 data centers

10. Japan - 219 data centers

These top 10 countries are favored for their speed, reliability, and the geographical advantages they offer. Proxies in these regions are particularly effective due to the high concentration of websites and services hosted within them, making them ideal for a variety of online tasks such as managing multiple accounts, web scraping, or accessing region-specific content.

Other Notable Countries for Data Center Proxies

Brazil, India, Poland, Spain, Switzerland, Turkey, Ukraine

These countries also host significant numbers of data centers and are popular choices for users looking to leverage regional proxies. Proxies from these countries can be just as effective, depending on the specific needs and target locations of the user.

---

* Data sources:

https://techjury.net/blog/data-center-statistics/

https://www.technavio.com/report/data-center-market-industry-analysis