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Why Choose SOCKS5 Proxies?

SOCKS5 proxies offer unmatched flexibility, supporting multiple protocols and unrestricted port usage. They’re an excellent choice for specialized tasks like advanced web scraping, data extraction, or applications that require enhanced compatibility. For most users, Oculus HTTP and HTTPS proxies deliver exceptional performance at a lower cost. However, if your project demands more functionality, Oculus’s global SOCKS5 proxies are designed to meet your needs.

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Setting Up Oculus SOCKS5 Proxies

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Step 1. Configure the Correct Port

Oculus uses port 31115 for SOCKS5 connections.
Ensure your settings point to proxy.oculus-proxy.com:31115. Avoid using the standard HTTP and HTTPS ports (31111-31114), as these are incompatible with SOCKS5.

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Step 2. Follow SOCKS5 Targeting Guidelines

Oculus supports only hostnames (domain names) for SOCKS5 proxies.
To ensure compliance with Oculus policies: 1. Always use a domain name (e.g., example.com) as the target instead of an IP address. 2. Configure your application to perform remote DNS resolution through the proxy rather than locally. Requests that don’t adhere to these guidelines will be blocked. Proper configuration ensures smooth and efficient routing through Oculus proxies.

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Step 3. Using curl With SOCKS5 Proxies

Always use socks5h://proxy.oculus-proxy.com:31115 with curl for remote DNS resolution.
To use curl with Oculus SOCKS5 proxies: 1. Include the -x option to specify the proxy. 2. Use the socks5h protocol to enable remote DNS resolution. 3. Provide the proxy address as proxy.oculus-proxy.com:31115. 4. Authenticate using your Oculus username and password. Example curl command: 
curl -i -x socks5h://proxy.oculus-proxy.com:31115 --proxy-user [USERNAME]:[PASSWORD] "https://oculusproxies.com/welcome.txt"

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Troubleshooting Proxy Requests

If you run into issues, add -i or -v to your curl command to view detailed feedback. Look for headers like:
  • x-brd-error
  • x-brd-err-code
  • x-brd-err-msg
These headers provide insight into any errors or misconfigurations.

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SOCKS5 Authentication Configuration

Oculus must receive proxy zone credentials to access SOCKS5 proxy.
Authenticate by providing your Oculus username and password. Tools may require credentials as separate inputs or in a single string format: username:password@proxy.oculus-proxy.com:31115

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Difference between SOCKS5 and SOCKS5h

The key difference lies in DNS resolution:
  • SOCKS5: DNS is resolved on the client-side, meaning the domain name is converted to an IP address before being sent to the proxy.
  • SOCKS5h: DNS is resolved on the proxy-side, offering additional privacy by preventing the client network from exposing destination domain names.
Oculus supports SOCKS5h, ensuring enhanced privacy and flexibility for your scraping and data collection tasks. Oculus SOCKS5 proxies provide the flexibility and security you need for advanced scraping, data collection, or applications requiring additional compatibility. Follow the steps above to integrate them into your workflow seamlessly!

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In a nutshell - HTTP/HTTPS vs SOCKS5

FeatureHTTP/HTTPSSOCKS5
Protocol SupportSupports only HTTP and HTTPSSupports multiple protocols (HTTP, FTP, etc.)
Traffic TypeLimited to web trafficHandles all types of network traffic
DNS ResolutionPerformed locally by the clientPerformed remotely by the proxy (SOCKS5h)
AuthenticationSupportedSupported
SpeedTypically faster for basic web usageSlightly slower due to broader capabilities
Firewall BypassBasic firewall traversalMore effective at bypassing restrictions
Common Use CasesGeneral browsing and web scrapingAdvanced scraping, P2P, gaming, enhanced privacy
  • Go for HTTP/HTTPS for general and standard web scraping and browsing.
  • Opt for SOCKS5 proxies when you need greater protocol flexibility, remote DNS resolution, or the ability to bypass network restrictions — or when HTTP/HTTPS proxies aren’t meeting your needs.
Oculus Networks proxies are TCP-only and do not support UDP protocol.