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This article will help system admins, IT managers and Owners of Forex brokers to understand what is MT5 Proxy and why it is essential for a best performing and secure trading environment.
What is MT5?
MetaTrader 5 is a platform developed by MetaQuotes for trading of Forex, Stocks and Futures. It is among the most popular trading platforms, translated in 31 languages. It has native applications for Windows environments, Android and iOS. Emulations are also available for using it in MacOS and Linux Operating systems.
The MT5 platform is available in three license types: Entry, Standard and Enterprise – each of them comes with specific set of components and limitations on the number of real accounts. A broker can start with the Entry license and upgrade on the go.
What is a Proxy Server and Why Is Needed
A Proxy server is an intermediate computer (virtual or dedicated server) that resides between the trader’s PC and the broker’s trading server.
A proxy server offers two significant benefits for a Forex business, which therefore reflect a trader’s experience:
Increased Security for MT5 Platform
By completing the standard installation of your MT5 platform on a Dedicated server, you may now start accepting clients who can get real accounts created on your MT5 platform. Each of your traders will be given a hostname or IP address (that of the MT5 trading server) and along with their credentials, they can connect using their MT5 trading terminal.
A Proxy server will act as an intermediate between your clients’ trading terminals and the trading server which means your MT5 server will only be receiving requests from the Proxy server. For example, if you have 2,000 active traders, these will authenticate and start sending order requests to the Proxy server, not the MT5 server directly.
This ‘triangle’ communication enhances the MT5 server’s security as it ‘forbids’ end users from directly connecting on the server’s listening ports. Any vulnerabilities found on your MT5 Server (e.g. outdated Operating System) will be less exposed to the public, in the case a Proxy server is installed.
Load Balancing and Improved Performance
Whilst a Broker may choose not to have a proxy server during the early days of operation, it will become a necessity when then number of real accounts and trading volume increases. Additionally, if you are targeting traders from different areas in the world, then you may decide to deploy Proxy servers near regions where most of your customers are located.
For example, your main MT5 platform server may be hosted in London and you may have traders located in Cyprus, Germany and Malaysia. In this case it would be wise to setup a Proxy Server in Europe (e.g. London or Amsterdam) and one in Asia (e.g. Singapore). As a result, orders coming from Malaysia will be sent to your London MT5 server through the Singapore Proxy. At the same time, your Proxy server in Europe will be handling requests from the European traders.
The idea of Load Balancing in Forex trading follows the basic concepts and benefits of Load Balancing and High Availability in an infrastructure environment. Learn more about Load Balancing Solutions.
Minimum Hardware Requirements for MT5 Proxy Server
An MT5 Proxy Server can run as a Virtual machine (VPS) or a Dedicated Server. The minimum specifications your server should have are:
- 2 vCPU
- 4GB RAM
- 60GB Disk Space
- Windows Server 2016
How to Deploy Proxy Servers Around the World
NetShop ISP offers virtual and dedicated servers which can be installed as MT5 Proxy servers. Our global infrastructure strategically located in state-of-the-art Data center facilities in Europe, Asia Pacific and the United States.
The most popular locations among Forex brokers for their Proxy server needs are Singapore, London and Amsterdam. In all three locations we offer VPS and Dedicated Servers. If you are looking for a cheap option to get started instantly, then a VPS server is what you should go for.
Our Forex specialists are available to discuss your technical requirements and demonstrate our wide-range of bespoke Forex solutions. Learn more about our Forex infrastructure solutions or contact our Sales team to schedule a web meeting.
