> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.oculusproxies.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# How to Use SOCKS5 Proxies With Oculus Proxies

> Enhance your scraping and data collection workflows using Oculus SOCKS5 proxies. This guide walks you through the setup for secure and flexible proxy connections.

## 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.

## Setting Up Oculus SOCKS5 Proxies

### Step 1. Configure the Correct Port

<Note>
  **Oculus Proxies uses port 31115 for SOCKS5 connections.**
</Note>

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.

### Step 2. Follow SOCKS5 Targeting Guidelines

<Warning>
  **Oculus supports only hostnames (domain names) for SOCKS5 proxies.**
</Warning>

To ensure compliance with Oculus Proxies 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.

### Step 3. Using `curl` With SOCKS5 Proxies

<Warning>
  **Always use `socks5h://proxy.oculus-proxy.com:31115` with `curl` for remote DNS resolution.**
</Warning>

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 Proxies username and password.

**Example `curl` command:**

```bash theme={null}
curl -i -x socks5h://proxy.oculus-proxy.com:31115 --proxy-user [USERNAME]:[PASSWORD] "https://oculusproxies.com/welcome.txt"
```

## 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.

## SOCKS5 Authentication Configuration

<Note>
  Oculus Proxies must receive proxy zone credentials to access SOCKS5 proxy.
</Note>

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`

## Difference between SOCKS5 and SOCKS5h

The key difference lies in DNS resolution:

* &#x20;**SOCKS5**: DNS is resolved on the **client-side**, meaning the domain name is converted to an IP address before being sent to the proxy.

* &#x20;**SOCKS5h**: DNS is resolved on the **proxy-side**, offering additional privacy by preventing the client network from exposing destination domain names.

Oculus Proxies 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!

## In a nutshell - HTTP/HTTPS vs SOCKS5

| Feature          | HTTP/HTTPS                           | SOCKS5                                           |
| ---------------- | ------------------------------------ | ------------------------------------------------ |
| Protocol Support | Supports only HTTP and HTTPS         | Supports multiple protocols (HTTP, FTP, etc.)    |
| Traffic Type     | Limited to web traffic               | Handles all types of network traffic             |
| DNS Resolution   | Performed locally by the client      | Performed remotely by the proxy (SOCKS5h)        |
| Authentication   | Supported                            | Supported                                        |
| Speed            | Typically faster for basic web usage | Slightly slower due to broader capabilities      |
| Firewall Bypass  | Basic firewall traversal             | More effective at bypassing restrictions         |
| Common Use Cases | General browsing and web scraping    | Advanced 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.

<Warning>Oculus Proxies are **TCP-only** and **do not support UDP** protocol.</Warning>