The internet is a fascinating place. Hundreds of new sites are launched every day, each offering information, services, products, features, and ways to benefit from the World Wide Web. It is a growing ecosystem where communicating with others is just as easy as finding tutorials on specific matters.
In recent years, we have seen a shift in how we access the internet. In the old days, we relied on the HyperText Transfer Protocol (HTTP) as the primary way to reach web servers directly from our devices. Today, however, there are multiple ways – different types of connections – that you can use online. We will cover some of the main ones.
HTTP
HTTP is the most basic type of connection to a remote server. You access a server by typing an IP address or a domain name into your browser’s address bar. If you access a domain name, a DNS will then translate that name into the IP address of the server and route your request to that IP address.
HTTP is flexible enough to support the entire internet, but it is not the most secure protocol to use. This is because all requests to and from web servers are transmitted as is, without additional security measures or encryption.
That brings us to our next protocol, which is…
HTTPS
HTTPS stands for HyperText Transfer Protocol Secure – as you would have guessed. As the name suggests, HTTPS adds a layer of security to the basic protocol. Sites that start with HTTPS incorporate SSL encryption with a valid certificate.
When you access an SSL-secured site, your browser can confirm if the traffic and data packets are coming from a legitimate server by checking the validity of its certificate. When you use ecommerce sites, for example, you can confidently enter payment details knowing that your personal details are protected.
SSL and TLS, both of which are security protocols used to secure the World Wide Web, also protect email communications and other forms of connectivity. Some servers incorporate encryption to further protect user data and ensure your safety online as well.
VPN
Both HTTP and HTTPS are protocols used when you access a web server directly. The traffic goes from your device to a DNS server, and then straight to the requested server. This means the receiving server can access your IP address and other sensitive details about your device.
A Virtual Private Network or a VPN changes how we connect to the internet. When you configure your device to work with a VPN server, all requests are actually directed to the VPN server before they are sent to the destination servers. This is a method known as tunneling, with the connection between your device and the VPN server being reinforced with security measures.
Tunneling protects your device from third-party tracking, since only the IP address of the VPN server gets exposed. A VPN also offers additional benefits such as the ability to redirect requests to a certain region and bypass internet restrictions.
Proxy
Speaking of bypassing internet restrictions, another type of connection that functions similarly to a VPN is a proxy. A proxy server also acts as a middleware between your device and the servers you want to access. It sits in the middle and processes your requests accordingly.
Similar to a VPN, a proxy server also masks your real IP address. A premium proxy may also offer additional security measures such SSL-protected connectivity and a higher level of privacy. A proxy server makes tracking your online activities much harder.
As mentioned before, a proxy server will bypass most of the restrictions you have. If, for instance, you are not allowed to open Facebook from the office network, you can connect to a proxy server and open the social media site without a problem.
Compared to other means of connectivity, a proxy server has some advantages. A proxy can be configured to load-balance traffic, so you get better internet performance despite the actual bandwidth provided by your ISP. A proxy can also cache certain online resources to boost performance.
More Connectivity Options
There is no doubt that the internet is evolving. New ways of accessing web content, new protocols for specific purposes such as streaming, and additional features are being introduced periodically. As devices and operating systems become more capable, the internet gets more fluid.
There are those who try to brand technical terms for good and bad purposes. Sites like SSLPrivateProxy.com are using technical terms to advertise proxy services. This means understanding how you connect to the internet – and the kind of protocol you use to access websites – is important.
Nevertheless, having more connectivity options is a good thing. Users have more options when it comes to accessing the websites and web services they need while remaining private and securing their personal details. A better, safer, more astounding internet is just around the corner.
