Web Proxies in Plain Speak
NSIT's web proxy allows members of the University community to access campus restricted resources from off campus. This document is intended to provide a brief, simple explanation that process.
Overview
A web proxy works by proxying web requests (imagine that!). This means that the proxy service, located somewhere else on the Internet, will request a web page on behalf of a remote user, then forward the results of the page (i.e., the web page) back to the user's browser. To the user the page appears as if it were requested directly.
To use NSIT's web proxy, users must (1) click on a link (or go to a bookmark) which tells their browser to connect to a given site through the web proxy, and (2) authenticate to the web proxy using their CNetID and CNet password so that it knows the request comes from an authorized member of the University community.[1]
Browser Configuration For Web Proxy
It is not necessary to configure your browser to use the University's web proxy; however, people developing web pages which link to restricted resources must format their links to go through the web proxy. You may also want to install a ProxyIt! bookmarklet in case you encounter an old link.
Notes
[1] Note that the ability to log in to the proxy does not imply automatic access to all proxied resources. Different resources can have different restrictions on who has access. As an example, many of the Library databases and journals are only licensed for use by current students, faculty, and University and Hospitals staff; as a result, alumni are not allowed to access these resources through the proxy server, even though they can successfully authenticate.
Last updated: 10/03/06
