A local proxy system includes a storage device having a local proxy and a physical port connection. The local proxy is part of a split proxy configuration having a local proxy and a remote proxy. The physical port connection is operative to receive commands from a host via an internet application protocol; and to transmit commands to the host via a modem control protocol, to thereby function as a gateway for conveying these commands to a remote proxy, via the host. Also provided is a method of optimizing communication over a network; and a local proxy system that includes a storage device having a local proxy. The storage device is in connection with a host via a physical port connection complying with a standard storage device interface.