What is SOCKS?
SOCKS is a proxy mechanism that allows client PCs to gain full access to hosts outside their local network while providing a high degree of security for the local network. From its earliest implementation, SOCKS has been considered to be primarily a firewall, protecting local networks from unauthorized access from outside the network. The Hummingbird SOCKS Client works in conjunction with SOCKS V4/V5 servers. When a SOCKS client application makes a request to a host outside the local network, the request is redirected to the SOCKS server. The SOCKS server authenticates the user, authorizes the request, establishes a proxy connection, and then transparently passes data between the inside host and the outside host. There are two major versions of SOCKS: SOCKS V4 and SOCKS V5. Hummingbird SOCKS Client supports both SOCKS V4 and V5 for Windows NT/2000 and Windows 95/98/ME.
SOCKS is a networking proxy protocol that enables hosts on one side of a SOCKS server to gain full access to hosts on the other side of the SOCKS server without requiring direct IP-reachability. SOCKS is often used as a network firewall, redirecting connection requests from hosts on opposite sides of a SOCKS server. The SOCKS server authenticates and authorizes requests, establishes a proxy connection, and relays data between hosts. There are two major versions of SOCKS: SOCKS4 and SOCKS5.
