When you purchase a proxy plan, you need a way to connect your application or browser to the service. Providers typically offer two primary methods for this: a list of direct IP addresses or a single gateway hostname. While they both achieve the goal of routing your traffic, they work in fundamentally different ways and are designed for very different tasks. Understanding the powerful difference between these two systems is key to choosing the right setup for your project’s success.
Method 1: The Traditional Approach – The Direct IP List
This is the classic method of proxy delivery. When you use this system, you receive a list of individual proxy servers, each with its own unique address and port.
What it looks like:
192.168.1.1:8000
192.168.1.2:8001
192.168.1.3:8002
…and so on.
How it Works: With a direct IP list, you are in complete control of the rotation logic. Your own software or script is responsible for picking an IP from the list, using it for one or more requests, and then switching to another IP in the list.
When to Use It: This method is ideal for tasks that require a stable, static IP address for a period of time. For example, if you are managing a single social media or e-commerce account, you want all your activity to come from the same IP address to look like a consistent, real user.
Method 2: The Modern Approach – The Gateway Hostname (Backconnect Proxy)
The gateway host, often called a “backconnect proxy,” is a more modern and powerful system designed for scale and convenience. Instead of a long list, you receive a single, easy-to-remember address that acts as a smart entry point to a massive pool of IPs.
What it looks like:
gw.ipfly.com:8080
How it Works (The Analogy):
Think of a direct IP list as having the individual phone numbers of 1,000 different taxi drivers. You have to keep track of the list and decide which driver to call next.
A gateway hostname is like having one phone number for the taxi dispatch center. You call the same number every time, and the dispatch system automatically connects you to the next available driver. The complex rotation is handled for you.
When to Use It: This method is vastly superior for any task that requires high-volume, automatic IP rotation. This includes large-scale web scraping, market research, ad verification, and sneaker copping, where you need a new, clean IP for every single request.
The IPFLY Advantage: The Power of Choice and Simplicity
A versatile, customer-focused proxy provider understands that different tasks demand different tools. This is why a provider like IPFLY offers the flexibility of both connection methods to ensure user success.
For users who need a dedicated, unchanging IP for long-term account management, IPFLY can provide a static residential proxy with a direct IP address.
However, for the vast majority of modern data collection and automation tasks, IPFLY’s backconnect gateway host is the more powerful and convenient choice. By sending all your requests to a single hostname, you gain access to our entire pool of millions of residential IPs. The IPFLY system handles the complex IP rotation automatically on our end, ensuring every request you make goes out through a new, clean IP address. This dramatically simplifies your code and makes any large-scale project more efficient and reliable.
Head-to-Head Comparison
| Feature | Direct IP List | Gateway Hostname (Backconnect) |
| Ease of Use | More Complex (User manages rotation) | Extremely Simple (Provider manages rotation) |
| Best for IP Rotation? | No | Yes (Ideal) |
| Best for a Static IP? | Yes (Ideal) | No (Designed to rotate) |
| Primary Use Case | Stable, long-term account management | Large-scale web scraping and automation |
New to proxies and unsure how to choose strategies or services? Don’t stress! First visit IPFLY.net for basic service info, then join the IPFLY Telegram community—get beginner guides and FAQs to help you use proxies right, easy start!
Which One Should You Choose?
The choice between a direct IP list and a gateway host is a strategic one that depends entirely on your project’s goal.
If you need a stable, unchanging IP for a single, long-term task, a direct IP proxy is the right tool.
If your project requires scale, speed, and automatic IP rotation, the modern gateway host system is simpler, more efficient, and vastly more powerful.
By partnering with a top-tier provider like IPFLY that offers both options, you have the flexibility to select the perfect connection method for any task, ensuring your projects are built for success.
