Which of the following best describes a proxy server?

A proxy server functions as an intermediary between a client and another server, handling requests and responses on behalf of the client. When a client sends a request for a resource, the proxy server receives this request first and then forwards it to the appropriate server. After obtaining the response from the target server, the proxy server sends it back to the client. This arrangement can enhance privacy, increase security, and improve performance through caching.

The role of a proxy server is distinct from storing static website content, which primarily involves web servers that hold files like HTML and images. While a firewall is focused on monitoring and controlling incoming and outgoing network traffic to protect from unauthorized access, that is not the primary function of a proxy server. Additionally, although load balancers manage the distribution of network traffic across multiple servers to ensure optimal use of resources and avoid overload, this does not define the operation of a proxy server. Thus, the description of a proxy server as an intermediary relaying requests and responses captures its functionality accurately.