what does a SOCKS server do?

[rookie1010]

Hello

I was trying to figure out what a SOCKS server does, did a google for it and the wiki reads

"SOCKS is an Internet protocol that allows client-server applications to transparently use the services of a network firewall. SOCKS is an abbreviation for "SOCKetS"

if SOCKS is transparent, then why have it in the first place, what is its use?
is the SOCKS a part of a firewall?

 

[RyanS]

SOCKS is a type of proxy. You can use a proxy server for many reasons. Ussually companies impliment proxy servers to monitor traffic, log traffic and block traffic.

 

[rookie1010]

thanks for the reply

does not a firewall perform the same functionality of a SOCKS server

 

[RyanS]

To some extent a firewall and a proxy server do the same tasks. Proxies also cache information which can help with bandwidth.

 

[rookie1010]

thanks for the reply dude