The proxy server acts as an intermediary between the user and the actual server. When a user requests access to a particular website or resource, the request is sent to the proxy server. The proxy server then forwards the request to the actual server and retrieves the requested information. Once the data has been retrieved, the proxy server delivers it back to the user. This process allows the user to avoid sending a request directly to the remote server every time, greatly improving access efficiency. In addition to improving access efficiency, proxy servers also have a caching function which can reduce the number of requests made to external servers, thereby enhancing network security. As a result, proxy servers are a valuable tool for optimizing network performance.