What Is A Proxy Server?

A proxy server is an intermediary between a user and the web site they are attempting to access. It supplies the user’s computer with what appears to be a legitimate IP address, even though the user might be out of state or in another country.

When Are They Used And Who Uses Them?

Proxy servers are often used by those attempting to gain access to television shows or sports content that is broadcast online but is not accessible within the state or country they live in. For example, many major American networks allow people residing with the US to watch their programs online. People in Canada may also want access these programs but are not allowed because their IP address indicates they live outside the US. Thus, in order to bypass the IP geolocation being used by the American networks, Canadian viewers will use US based proxy servers to provide seemingly legitimate IP addresses.

Proxy servers are also used to get around government blocks to restricted online services. People wishing to connect to restricted services from within a country where they are forbidden can access proxy servers located within a country that allows those service to be used. This is a common practice among tourists travelling in parts of Asia, like China or Vietnam that do not allow access to Facebook.

Proxy Server Detection

In order to counter the problem presented by proxy servers, we deploy specialized Proxy Server Detection equipment designed to recognize when a user is masking their actual IP address. Once IP masking has been detected the user is blocked from accessing the restricted service.