How a shared proxy works
A provider accepts separate customer connections and forwards them through an exit IP available to more than one customer. The website sees that shared address instead of each customer’s original IP. Authentication separates customer access, but it doesn’t give each customer a separate exit address.
Sharing doesn’t mean the proxy is public or open to anyone. Paid shared proxies usually require credentials. Sharing also doesn’t define rotation: a shared proxy may keep one address or select addresses from a proxy pool. A rotating proxy changes IPs according to a request or session rule.
Shared vs dedicated proxies
A dedicated proxy reserves its exit IP for one customer instead of making it available to several.
| Shared proxy | Dedicated proxy | |
|---|---|---|
| Exit IP use | Multiple customers | One customer |
| Current use | Affected by other customers | Controlled by your workload |
| Typical fit | Independent, low-risk tasks | Stable accounts and workflows |
| Cost | Usually lower | Usually higher |
A dedicated IP gives you more control over its current use, but it can still be blocked because of request behavior, headers or browser fingerprints.
When a shared proxy fits
Shared proxies are often suitable for:
- Collecting permitted public pages when IP continuity isn’t needed.
- Checking localized pages, ads or search results occasionally.
- Running short-lived tests where exclusive IP use isn’t required.
Combined traffic from several customers can trigger 429 Too Many Requests responses or damage an IP’s reputation. Keep your request rate within the site’s limits, follow its robots.txt rules and terms, and use a dedicated address when account continuity matters.
Dedicated ISP proxies on FlashIP
FlashIP static ISP proxies provide a non-shared option: each IP is dedicated, fixed and from a carrier-grade allocation from a major carrier. They use username and password authentication and are billed per IP per month. They suit returning to the same account or workflow; see static ISP pricing.
FAQ
Is a shared proxy the same as a public proxy?
No. A shared proxy serves multiple authorized customers and usually requires credentials. A public proxy is open for anyone to use, often without an account.
Is a shared proxy the same as a rotating proxy?
No. “Shared” describes who can use an IP, while “rotating” describes when the IP changes. A shared proxy can be static or rotating.
Can another user get my shared proxy IP blocked?
Yes. If another customer sends abusive or excessive traffic, a website may rate-limit or block the shared exit IP. You share the IP’s reputation even though your connections and credentials remain separate.