Internet Access Proxy Service at HKUST

What is Proxy Service ?

Proxy servers access web pages on behalf of your desktop machine and store web pages into its  large hard disk farm. Subsequent access to these stored pages will be taken from the local server's hard disk instead of from the remote site again, thus speeding up web access.

Proxy Service in UST

We have migrated to our 2nd generation Proxy Service, in which a Transparent Proxy Cache subsystem has been deployed gradually since February/March 2001 and completed in summer.

The Transparent Proxy Cache subsystem consist of two layer 4 network switches (or so-called web switches) and 4 web cache engines running Squid proxy caching software.

Benefits of the new system

• Higher availability -- the two network switches provide fault tolerance and automatic removal of failed web cache engines
 
• Bigger web cache -- by deploying a farm of 4 web cache engines with larger hard disk farm, more web pages can be stored in the cache farm, increasing the likelihood that a web page be found in the cache
 
• Prevent slow response -- the cache engines are load-balanced using intelligent web switches. The chance for a user to hit a heavily loaded engine is thus reduced, thereby giving the user a more even response time
 
• User transparency -- by deployment of transparent proxy technology, web requests will be automatically handled by the web cache engines. As a result, users no longer need to have explicit proxy setting to enjoy Proxy Service.

Who can use HKUST Proxy Service

Computers that can use UST Proxy Service include those in campus: offices, SSQ, Student Dormitory, and computers at home connecting to HKUST Dialup Modem Pool.

Note that computers at home connecting to Internet via an ISP cannot and do not need to use HKUST Proxy Service.

Configuration for Web Browser to Use Proxy

Existing machines

Staff:

To enjoy the higher availability, it is necessary that you REMOVE your browser's proxy setting. Please click here to see steps to check/perform the removal.

Students:

Starting from 14 August 2001, students using ResNet and Dialup services are no longer necessary to have explicit proxy setting. Click here to see steps to remove your proxy setting in your browser.