Why do we use Proxy Servers?
The use of a proxy server helps to reduce the over-all load of web traffic on NJIT's Internet connection. Web pages that have graphics and advertisement banners are a good example of how a proxy server can help. The graphic and banner content are often large files which when loading consume the Internet bandwidth. The proxies keep a local copy, or cache, of this content. Once the page is initially loaded to the "content cache" hundreds of other web users can access it immediately through the proxy server. NJIT's Internet bandwidth is then reduce since the subsequent loads of the same web page did not go through the Internet connection. Imagine how many thousands of times the "MSN Logo" is NOT downloaded and the bandwidth that is saved each time someone goes to msn.com or hotmail.com.
Why is the use of the proxy servers now required?
The NJIT proxies, while not required, have always been highly recommended. The outbreak of new Worms, such as Code Red, Code Blue and Nimda, have placed tremendous amounts of Web traffic on our Internet connection. The load caused by these viruses has brought to a halt all other Internet and Network connectivity. Requiring all web traffic to go through a Proxy server is permitting NJIT to function again as a member of the Internet. The Proxy servers are in place to help speed Web and Internet connectivity.
Please refer to the following directions for using the NJIT Proxy Servers:
There are several applications, Real Audio and other media players for example, which use built in web browsers to access content. You must also set a Web Proxy for these applications. The setup preferences of most applications will have an option to "Use default web browser proxy setting". Providing that you have the proxy setting correct in the default web browser, this option should be selected. Should your application not have this option, then set your proxy as you would for the web browser.
The PAC (Proxy Automatic Configuration) URL, if supported, is set to:
http://www.njit.edu/telecom/proxy.pacThe Proxy name, if required, is set to:
rhnet-proxy.njit.edu on port 80 for all Residence Hall computersCan I use any other proxy servers or settings?
www-proxy.njit.edu on port 80 for all other NJIT computers
Only the proxy settings offered in this document are supported. These services are maintained by the Networking Department and refer to several other services for redundancy and load balancing. Selecting an alternate name other then the supported ones will result in loss of connectivity as broken and older services are replaced or upgraded.