What is the purpose of a proxy server?

The choice that accurately reflects the purpose of a proxy server is that it acts as an intermediary for requests from clients seeking resources from other servers. This means that when a client (like a user's computer or device) wants to access a resource, such as a webpage, the request first goes to the proxy server. The proxy server then forwards this request to the appropriate external server and retrieves the source.

This process serves multiple useful functions. For example, it can help manage traffic by investigating and filtering incoming and outgoing requests, thereby improving load times and maintaining efficiency. Furthermore, by masking the client's original IP address, a proxy server enhances privacy and can provide an additional layer of security against certain types of cyber threats.

While the other options might represent functions that proxy servers can assist with or complement, acting as an intermediary is their primary role. Proxy servers can indeed enhance security and store cached content, but these features are secondary to their main function. Connecting different networks is more characteristic of routers rather than proxy servers.