Data has become the cornerstone of most business operations. As such, you might be forced to rethink your strategy if you want to run a business in the modern world without a robust website data extraction plan; commonly referred to as web scraping.
However, this endeavor quickly feels untenable when you realize that over 80% of websites have some sort of restriction, be it CAPTCHAS, anti-bot system, geoblocking, or IP bans. And given that the success of your data extraction depends massively on uninterrupted web access, these online restrictions might paralyze your plan if you do not know how to bypass them.
How then can you go past the blocks? By using website unblockers. Thanks to the brilliant techies out there, you can now easily find a solution that best suits your data extraction needs at a relatively affordable price.
Whether you prefer Proxy Servers, VPNs, or Smart DNS, these tools secure your API from anti-BOT systems, override geo restrictions and IP bans, so you can realize the full potential of web data extraction.
Read on to find out more about how you can go around online restrictions using any of the following five website unblockers.
1. Use Proxy Servers
If you’re into web scraping, using proxy servers is the best approach to unblocking websites. Since web scraping is an automated process, blocked websites can be a nuisance leading to your API breaking down, which can cause you to lose valuable data.
A proxy server like NetNut website unblocker will ensure that your web scraping API runs effortlessly and reliably while protecting your online privacy. But how does it work? It acts as an intermediary between your network and the web, rerouting traffic through its own server while masking your IP address from the website.
Therefore, when you use a proxy server to bypass restrictions, it appears as though the access request is coming from the server, which allows you to unblock websites imposed by the network.
The perks get even better when it comes to web scraping. The website unblocker proxy server will bypass cloud CAPTCHAs and anti-bot systems so you can extract data anonymously from websites all across the world. As a result, your API appears as real users by leveraging anti-bot website unblocking technology, auto-rotating, CAPTCHA-Solving, and dynamic fingerprinting, making web scraping seamless.
2. Install a Virtual Private Network (VPN)
Perhaps the most recommended way to bypass internet blocks is a Virtual Private Network (VPN).
Here’s how it works: A VPN encrypts and reroutes your internet traffic from your private network and extends it onto a public network that is virtual.
Just like proxy servers, VPNs also act as intermediaries between your local network and the web. So, instead of visiting the blocked website directly, your VPN fetches the data on your behalf and displays the content to you. In addition to disguising the source of your traffic, the VPN also hides your IP to further enhance your online security.
By anonymizing your online activity, a VPN will make sure your internet service provider won’t be able to track you when you access a blocked website.
3. Download the Tor Browser to Access the Tor Network
To navigate online restrictions using the Tor Network, start by downloading and installing the Tor Browser from the official Tor Project website. Make sure to select the version that matches your operating system.
Once installed, open the browser and choose either “Connect” to access the network directly or “Configure” if you’re in a location where Tor is blocked.
After connecting to the Tor network, you can access websites that may be restricted to standard browsers. Simply enter the URL of the blocked site in the address bar.
The Tor Network routes your browsing data through a network of volunteer servers, thereby hiding your IP from the website, protecting your privacy, and giving you access to blocked websites. However, keep in mind that browsing through Tor may be slower than usual due to its privacy-focused routing process.
4. Consider Changing DNS Servers
When considering changing your DNS servers, remember that IP addresses are generated from domain names using DNS servers. Websites may sometimes be blocked due to DNS manipulation or IP address bans. If you encounter such issues, switching to a different DNS server can assist you in unblocking websites.
To change your DNS settings, enter the IP address of an alternate DNS server in your system’s network settings. For example, you can use Google Public DNS (8.8.8.8, 8.8.4.4) or Cloudflare (1.1.1.1).
If you’re using Google Chrome, navigate to Settings > Privacy and Security > Advanced. Then, click on Use Secure DNS and select your preferred DNS provider from the dropdown menu.
5. Using Smart DNS
If you’re trying to access a website with geo-blocking, using Smart DNS can be an effective solution. Smart DNS reroutes your internet traffic through a proxy, allowing you to access restricted content without the encryption that a VPN provides. This means your internet traffic remains faster, making it ideal for bandwidth-intensive activities.
To unblock restricted websites with Smart DNS, you’ll need to subscribe to a Smart DNS service. After that, configure your device’s DNS settings, and you’ll be ready to access those blocked websites seamlessly.
Conclusion
To navigate online restrictions effectively, you can use website unblockers such as proxy servers, VPNs, the Tor Browser, alternate DNS servers, or Smart DNS. Each method has unique benefits tailored to specific scenarios.
Proxy servers and Smart DNS are ideal for accessing restricted websites quickly and efficiently, while VPNs and the Tor Browser provide added privacy and security by encrypting your traffic and masking your IP address. Changing DNS servers is a straightforward approach to bypassing IP-based restrictions.
By selecting the method that aligns with your needs, you can enjoy unrestricted access to content without compromising your online security.
