In the realm of networking, proxy servers play a significant role in hiding real IP addresses and providing a safer and more anonymous online experience.

Two common types of proxies are sticky IP and rotating IP, which differ in terms of IP persistence and frequency of changes.

This article will introduce the distinctions between sticky IP and rotating IP, analyze their pros and cons in various use cases, with a particular focus on scenarios such as web crawling and data scraping.

Additionally, we will provide suitable application scenarios for both types of proxies and recommend proxy service providers.

Differences Between Sticky IP and Rotating IP

a. Sticky IP:

Sticky IP refer to a proxy connection where a user maintains the same IP address throughout the connection until actively disconnecting or reaching a time limit. This means that during a session, the user's IP address remains unchanged.

Characteristics:

High IP persistence, keeping the same IP address throughout the connection.

Suitable for scenarios where a long-lasting connection to a specific website is required to ensure continuity and stability.

b. Rotating IP:

Rotating IP involve users being assigned a new IP address at regular intervals or randomly upon connecting to the proxy server. Each time a user connects to the proxy, they are given a different IP address.

Characteristics:

High frequency of IP address changes, potentially leading to multiple different IP addresses within a short timeframe.

Suitable for scenarios where frequent IP changes are needed to avoid blocking or tracking.

Pros and Cons of Choosing Sticky IP or Rotating IP in Different Use Cases

a. Web Crawling:

Pros and Cons of Sticky IP: Pros: Sticky IP ensure continuity during web crawling, preventing disruptions that might occur with frequent IP address changes. This is beneficial for large-scale data gathering or when web crawling requires a continuous process. Cons: Some websites may identify consistent use of the same IP address as a web crawler and consequently block access, especially if the target website has anti-crawling mechanisms.

Pros and Cons of Rotating IP: Pros: With frequent IP changes, rotating IP can effectively evade being blocked or recognized as a web crawler. This improves the stability and anonymity of data scraping. Cons: Frequent IP address changes during web crawling may lead to continuity issues, particularly when maintaining session states on certain websites.

b. Data Scraping:

Pros and Cons of Sticky IP: Pros: Sticky IP ensure stability and consistency when conducting data scraping tasks from specific data sources, avoiding inconsistencies in the data collected. Cons: For extensive data scraping tasks involving numerous data sources, sticking to a single IP address may limit the breadth of data acquisition.

Pros and Cons of Rotating IP: Pros: Rotating IP offer a broader IP coverage for data scraping tasks, increasing the diversity of data obtained. Cons: Frequent IP changes may lead to continuity issues with certain data sources, affecting the completeness of collected data.

Suitable Application Scenarios and Recommended Proxy Service Providers

Sticky IP Application Scenarios:

Long-duration data scraping tasks requiring continuous connections to specific websites.

Web crawling tasks that prioritize stability and continuity.

Recommended Proxy Service Providers: Luminati, Smartproxy, 911proxy

Rotating IP Application Scenarios:

Scenarios that demand frequent IP changes to avoid being blocked or recognized as a web crawler.

Large-scale data scraping tasks requiring coverage from multiple data sources.

Recommended Proxy Service Providers: Storm Proxies, iproyal, Smartproxy

Conclusion

Sticky IP and rotating IP differ in terms of IP persistence and frequency of changes, making them suitable for various use cases.

Choosing the right proxy type depends on the nature and requirements of the task at hand. In scenarios like web crawling and data scraping, selecting between sticky IP and rotating IP hinges on the need for continuity and data acquisition stability.

When selecting proxy service providers, consider factors such as service quality, the scale and geographical distribution of their IP pools, and reliable technical support.