# Protocols

When configuring your proxy, it's important to consider the protocol that best suits your needs. There are two primary types available: HTTP/HTTPS and SOCKS5. Each protocol operates on its distinct set of ports and serves different purposes. We offer two primary types of proxy protocols.

{% hint style="warning" %}
Please note that our Residential proxies are compatible with **TCP** connections.
{% endhint %}

### HTTP/HTTPS

This is the most widely used protocol for web browsing. Our HTTP proxies are ideal for accessing websites and managing web-based traffic. For enhanced security, particularly when handling sensitive data, our HTTPS proxy adds an encryption layer to secure the data transmission between the client and the server. These proxies typically function on ports designated explicitly for HTTP or HTTPS traffic.

### SOCKS5

For a more versatile solution, our SOCKS5 proxies handle all types of traffic, not just limited to web browsing. This makes them particularly suitable for activities such as P2P sharing and VoIP calls. SOCKS5 proxies offer improved performance and security features and operate on different ports than those used by HTTP/HTTPS, accommodating a broader range of traffic types.

{% hint style="info" %}
In the upcoming 'Making Requests' section, we will delve into the specifics of how to effectively use each of these protocols.
{% endhint %}


---

# Agent Instructions: Querying This Documentation

If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question.

Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter:

```
GET https://docs.iproyal.com/proxies/residential/proxy/protocols.md?ask=<question>
```

The question should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.

Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.