Ways to Work Around CDNs Using Proxy Servers
CDNs – they’re just about everywhere. We’re all sure to encounter them, knowingly or not. CDNs (for “content delivery networks”) are behind much of the online content you view, and for good reason: They make it easier and faster to access content from anywhere across the world. But censorship and other restrictions on content can be part of the price for this convenience. This article discusses ways to work around CDNs using proxy servers.
What Are CDNs?
A content delivery network is a geographically distributed network of servers with cached content. Caching shortens the distance between websites requesting data and the servers providing the content. This way, CDNs allow faster access to content while keeping a layer of security between end users and origin servers. With content access, every second counts; the longer it takes, the more risk of losing an end user. So CDNs play an invaluable role.
Altered location
Content restrictions based on location are one major challenge to Internet access. They can give you a big headache over a simple thing like watching videos on YouTube or streaming your favorite TV shows. This is one way that CDNs can be a source of frustration even while providing excellent data security. Good proxy servers, however, can get around location challenges. For example, they’ll make many IP addresses available to easily bypass geo-restrictions.
Bypass scraping controls
Today, many people use automated tools for legitimate online research. CDNs have effective controls to stop many automated tools. But combining automated tools with a good quality proxy service can be a great way of circumventing CDN restrictions.
And, although CDNs do an excellent job of preventing bots, it’s not currently possible to block every such tool out there. Good tools used on good proxy servers can go a long way in keeping you operational.
Maintain your privacy
When you’re online, maintaining your privacy – keeping yourself secure – is vital. But CDNs have varying levels of server security; it’s not necessarily guaranteed. Both their data and your identity can be vulnerable. And here’s one great thing about a good proxy server: It sits between your device and the CDN, hiding your IP address so you can access content securely and anonymously.
Browse comfortably
It’s true that many of the Internet data restrictions are in place for good reason. In this way, CDNs serve a good purpose. Still, accessing content online doesn’t have to be a daunting process. When CDNs block you from needed content, a good proxy server can help you get around their challenges and enjoy their benefits.
