Does your location matter on the internet? Yes, it does. Today, many services on the web cater to specific geolocations. Some licenses and contracts motivate companies to divvy the internet into regions. Some services are available in certain regions while others have to wait. Thus, users have a motivation to change their virtual location. There are numerous apps available that can spoof GPS, but they are not exactly stable. Also, websites often take other factors into account while judging user location. But the first thing any web service pays attention to is your IP address.
Hence, those who want to change their location on the net have to employ a tech capable of spoofing IP addresses. Well, there is no other tech than a VPN that can do so effortlessly. Although we use VPNs primarily to safeguard our online activities, entertainment buffs prefer the IP spoofing feature of the service. Thus, our topic for today’s article is how does a VPN change your location? You’ll find out shortly.
How a VPN manages to change your location
A VPN works by routing your traffic through its network of servers. At the same time, it encrypts the traffic to protect against external threats. However, unlike your ISP (Internet Service Provider), which solely focuses on the domestic network, a VPN has servers around the globe. Although the amount is a bit low, it allows users to connect to the network from anywhere in the world. Hence, a VPN can grant the user remote access to a server located thousands of miles away. Similarly, the said server requests the target website at the behest of the user.
The whole process is a smokescreen where the user remains hidden behind the scenes and uses the server to access the web remotely. This in turn changes the location of the user virtually. How? Imagine: you are in India connected to a server in France trying to access a website that allows only French users. On the website, you will appear as French. That’s because your browser won’t directly access the target website. Instead, it will control the server in France remotely to do so.
For the website in question, the traffic and request both originate from France, and it will provide service to the server, and in turn to you. The process is simple, where the client routes the data through connected tunnels to the server. Further, the server, on behalf of the user, engages in the resource exchange. This is precisely why you can change your location with a VPN. Although other apps can do so, nothing comes close to VPNs as they have been in the game for decades, almost as long as the internet itself.
Why can’t a VPN bypass geo-blocks?
A VPN can change your IP by remotely controlling the server that exchanges resources with the target website on behalf of the user. Generally, people use it to bypass regional geo-blocks. But sometimes, a VPN fails to do so. There are numerous reasons behind it. However, we will focus on what to do in such an event. If your VPN fails to bypass geo-blocks, you can:
- Ensure you are not leaking IP addresses — VPNs can change your IP, but some less powerful products leak. If a VPN is leaking information such as the originating IP despite being connected to the server, the target website will deny access. That’s because it will be clear to the website that the user is spoofing the IP. Websites can check it by studying the IP leak.
- Switch servers — Some websites block specific IP addresses or a range to prevent VPNs from accessing their services. Thus, failing to bypass a geo-block can be due to such a ban. Users can change the connected server and try again.
- Check for a geolocation API — A website can use the HTML geolocation API (Application Programming Interface) to figure out your location and even circumvent your VPN. However, the HTML geolocation depends on user end clearance. Unless you grant website access, it can’t use the API. Hence, check whether the target website has permission regarding the use of API.
- Check cookies — Cookies can be troublesome as they track and maintain a user profile. Even with a VPN, it is hard to fool a cookie. The only way forward is to deny cookies or delete browser history and start anew.
Bond between a VPN and DNS leaks
Another thing to consider and prevent is the infamous DNS leak. Even if you have successfully stopped an IP leak, DNS can be your downfall. The good news is that VPNs can prevent DNS leaks. Whenever you visit a website, your device looks up the relevant address. Facebook.com isn’t in the language your browser understands. Thus, it looks up the IP address associated with facebook.com, and the whole process is done using the Domain Name System or DNS.
Your ISP has a DNS directory that records every request. Since the ISP is regional, the target website can cross-check the registry to figure out your actual location, thus, the leak occurs. Here, the information didn’t leak from the tunnel. But even with the VPN, your device has to look up the DNS to facilitate communication. However, users can easily prevent a DNS leak by using a VPN with its DNS servers.
Reasons to change your location virtually
A VPN can change your location, as doing so can benefit a user under the circumstances. Here’s why you may need to alter your virtual location:
- To access a service unavailable in the region — VPNs can switch locations so that users can enjoy restricted content. With a VPN, users can access geo-blocked content around the globe. All they need is a vendor with an established, rock-solid network. Afterward, they can have service unavailable in the region all to themselves.
- To enjoy streaming everywhere — With a VPN, users can stream on the go. No matter where you are, a VPN can aid your entertainment needs. Although some services may not work within a select few countries, reputed vendors have stable workarounds available for them too. Hence, if you travel and don’t want to miss out on your favorite content, VPNs are the way to go.
- To access office network — Today, most employees can work offsite with the help of the internet. However, it is inadvisable to do so. Most corporates do not allow their workers to access the central network without protection. Thus, a VPN can help both employers and workers in facilitating working safely. Plus, a worker with a VPN can access the office from anywhere.
- To avoid targeted ads — Some ads target users based on their geographical location. These can be irritating but very accurate. Thus, you can fool companies by adjusting your location and avoiding such targeted ads.
- To avoid censorship — Some countries practice censorship for various reasons. A VPN can empower the netizens by giving them the means to prevent such blatant censorship.