Squid 3.5 Proxy Server for Ubuntu Server 18.04 LTS
Web server accelerator software
Web accelerator software
- Features
- Ease of use
- Ease of management
- Quality of support
- Affordability
- Market presence
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What is Squid 3.5 Proxy Server for Ubuntu Server 18.04 LTS
Squid 3.5 Proxy Server for Ubuntu Server 18.04 LTS is an HTTP proxy and caching server deployed on Ubuntu to accelerate web access and reduce upstream bandwidth through content caching and request forwarding. It is typically used by IT administrators to provide forward-proxy services for user networks, enforce access controls, and cache frequently requested web objects. Squid is configured via text-based configuration files and supports ACL-based policy, authentication integration, and detailed logging for troubleshooting and auditing.
Mature HTTP caching proxy
Squid provides a long-established proxy cache architecture for HTTP/HTTPS (via CONNECT tunneling) that fits common enterprise and campus network patterns. It can reduce repeated downloads of cacheable content and lower upstream utilization when caching is effective. It also supports multiple deployment modes (forward proxy, explicit proxy, and limited reverse-proxy/accelerator use cases) depending on configuration.
Granular policy and access control
Squid includes a flexible ACL system to control who can use the proxy, what destinations are allowed, and when access is permitted. It supports common authentication methods (for example, Basic/NTLM/Kerberos via helpers) and can integrate with directory services through external helpers. This makes it suitable for environments that need enforceable browsing policy and auditable proxy usage.
Operational transparency and extensibility
Squid offers detailed access logs, cache logs, and configurable error handling that help with troubleshooting and compliance reporting. It supports helper programs for authentication, URL rewriting, and external ACL lookups, enabling integration with existing security and identity tooling. On Ubuntu, it can be managed with standard service tooling and packaged deployment practices.
Version and OS are EOL
Squid 3.5 is an older major release line, and Ubuntu Server 18.04 LTS is end-of-standard-support, which increases security and maintenance risk. Older versions may lack newer protocol handling, performance improvements, and security hardening found in later Squid releases. Many organizations will need an upgrade plan to a supported OS and a maintained Squid version for production use.
Complex configuration and tuning
Effective acceleration depends on careful cache sizing, refresh patterns, and object handling rules, which can be non-trivial to tune. Misconfiguration can lead to low cache hit rates, unexpected access blocks, or excessive disk I/O. Ongoing operations often require experienced administrators to interpret logs and adjust policies.
Limited modern edge acceleration features
Squid focuses on proxying and caching rather than providing a full edge acceleration platform with globally distributed points of presence or integrated application delivery features. It does not natively provide the same breadth of managed capabilities such as global traffic steering, integrated image optimization, or turnkey web performance tooling. Organizations needing those capabilities typically combine Squid with other infrastructure components or choose a managed service approach.
Plan & Pricing
| Plan | Price | Key features & notes |
|---|---|---|
| Community (Open-source) | $0.00 — Free | Distributed under GNU GPL (GPLv2+). Downloadable from the official Squid site; no charge by the Squid Software Foundation. |
