The internet, a great ocean of information, isn’t entirely free-flowing. Sometimes, you may come across a message saying access is denied or the website is blocked. But how exactly does this blocking work? This blog dives into the modern methods used to limit website access. Learn from a real-world example for higher knowledge of how blocking works.
The Journey Of A Web Request: Understanding DNS
Before we delve into how blocking works, understand the way you get access to a website. When you type a URL (like www.example.com) in your browser, it will not magically transport you there. The magic happens behind the scenes via a system referred to as Domain Name System (DNS) resolution. Imagine DNS as a phonebook for the internet. It interprets the user-pleasant URL into a numerical code (IP address) that computer systems can recognize. Once the IP address is obtained, your device connects to the website’s server and shows the content.
Methods Of Blocking Websites: Erecting Walls In The Digital World
Now that we recognize the groundwork, let’s discover how blocking works:
DNS Blocking
This technique disrupts the first step of your internet journey—the DNS lookup. Here, the DNS resolver, responsible for translating URLs, is manipulated. Instead of the best IP address, the user gets a bogus one, leading to a website-not-found error. Governments typically utilize this technique to restrict access to certain websites.
IP Blocking
This technique acts like a bouncer at a membership. Specific IP addresses associated with websites are blacklisted via firewalls or network filters. Any attempt to connect with a blacklisted IP address is denied. It’s a better method than DNS blocking because it can’t be easily bypassed by switching DNS servers.
URL Blocking
This method focuses on the website address itself. Filters scan the URL asked by the user and compare it to a blacklist of banned URLs. If there may be an in-match, the connection is blocked. This strategy is utilized by schools and work environments to confine admittance to unseemly or diverting content.
Deep Packet Inspection (DPI)
This is a more sophisticated method that inspects the data packets flowing through the network. DPI cannot most effectively block URLs but additionally analyzes the content material inside the packets. For example, it could block access to particular sorts of files, like videos or songs.
Geo-Blocking
This method restricts access primarily based on the person’s geographical vicinity. Websites can use your IP address to determine your region and block entry if you’re from a specific area. This is regularly used by streaming services due to licensing restrictions.
A Real-World Example: Unraveling The Block
Let’s consider that you are looking to access a social media platform that is blocked in your country. Here’s how blocking works:
DNS Blocking
You are kind of inside the social media platform’s URL. The government-controlled DNS server returns the wrong IP address, resulting in a website not finding the message.
IP Blocking
You strive to use a different DNS server. However, the connection continues to be blocked. It is because your ISP’s firewall recognizes the social media platform’s IP address and denies access.
URL Blocking
You try to access the social media platform through a proxy server that masks your IP address. However, the proxy server itself might be blocked at the URL level, preventing any connection.
The Constant Evolution Of Blocking And Bypassing
The war between blocking and bypassing is a non-stop one. As the method of how blocking works becomes more sophisticated, so do the tools used to avoid them. Users can appoint virtual private networks (VPNs). These encrypt their site visitors and path them through a distinctive server location, effectively bypassing geo-blocks. Additionally, tools like anonymizing proxies can help mask a person’s IP address and potentially bypass URL or IP-based blocking.
The Debate On Blocking
Website blocking raises several moral issues. Governments could use it for national security or to restrict access to harmful content. It may additionally be a tool for censorship and control of information. It’s crucial to find stability between protecting defensive users from harmful content and upholding freedom of expression.
Understanding how blocking works on the internet empowers you to navigate the digital panorama correctly. You may be a user encountering website restrictions or someone involved in approximately online censorship. This understanding can equip you to make informed selections.
