setting up multiple web proxies

Question

Level 1

0 points

setting up multiple web proxies

In order for my powerbook G4 (Mac OSX.5) to connect to the internet at work it has to connect through a web proxy. This is very easy to set up. the problem is that there are 3 web proxy servers and they cycle every 24 hrs. Is it possible to set something up so that if the first proxy isn't available it immediately looks for the next one and so on. At the moment I have to go in and change it every day. I'm happy to use a unix shell and modify the system files I just need someone to tell me what to do.

thanks

Anna

PowerBook, Mac OS X (10.5.8)

Posted on Jan 23, 2012 1:35 PM

Reply

Answer 1

BDAqua

Level 10

250,259 points

Jan 23, 2012 1:46 PM in response to annib70

Hi Anna,

Not sure of the exact steps, but I think I'd make a New Location for each, Using network locations in Mac OS X ...

http://support.apple.com/kb/HT2712

Then manually switch or make an AppleScript to ping or test the Proxy, then switch Location, test, etc.

Reply

Answer 2

BobHarris

Level 9

56,921 points

Jan 23, 2012 7:10 PM in response to annib70

You could create local PAC file <http://findproxyforurl.com/pac_file_examples.html> where you can return multiple PROXY servers. You would create text file with your PAC script in it. Then specify System Preferences -> Network -> Advanced -> Proxy -> Automatic Proxy Configuration, and click "Choose File".

If you choose to take BDAqua's advice and create multiple Network Locations, you can then use either

/usr/sbin/networksetup -switchtolocation "MyCompanysProxy1"
/usr/sbin/networksetup -switchtolocation "MyCompanysProxy2"
/usr/sbin/networksetup -switchtolocation "MyCompanysProxy3"

or

/usr/sbin/scselect "MyCompanysProxy1"
/usr/sbin/scselect "MyCompanysProxy2"
/usr/sbin/scselect "MyCompanysProxy3"

you can put them into a script of your choosing. Shell script, or Automator Run Shell Scirpt, or Applescirpt do shell script (or Perl, Python, Ruby, etc...)

Reply

Answer 3

BDAqua

Level 10

250,259 points

Jan 23, 2012 7:21 PM in response to BobHarris

Thanks Bob, great help! 🙂

Reply