# Using Sidewinder Proxies in combined Protocol elements

Combined Protocol elements allow you to apply a standard Protocol element and a Sidewinder Proxy Protocol element to the same traffic.

Combined Protocol elements make the Protocol Parameters from both Protocol elements available in the same Service element.

Combined Protocol elements have the following benefits:

- Sidewinder Proxy Protocol elements provide improved security compared to using non-proxy Protocol elements alone.
- Protocol elements provide protocol-specific inspection and protocol validation that is not possible using Sidewinder Proxy Protocol elements alone.

Combined Protocol elements appear under the Engine > Other Elements > Protocols > By Protocol Type > Proxy branch in the Configuration view.