Internet Protocol (IP) addresses are identification labels assigned to each individual computer or device that accesses the internet. These addresses can be easily found by network administrators, on email addresses or in system configurations. IP addresses are also used by many companies to filter access to their private network making it accessible only to certain addresses. Rerouting or redirecting an IP address, in some cases, allows you to browse the web with much more freedom. It also allows you to have access to blocked websites, or simply to browse anonymously, displaying an IP address that is not the real one. One way to redirect the IP address is to use a proxy server. This guide shows you how.
Steps
Step 1. Delete your internet browser cookies
If you are using Internet Explorer, access the main menu or the "Tools" menu located on the bar at the top of the window. Press the button for deleting cookies.
For the changes to take effect, you will need to restart your internet browser
Step 2. Log into your favorite search engine and use the keywords "proxy server list" to search the web
This procedure shows you how to redirect your IP address using a proxy server. Be cautious though, because while this procedure isn't illegal, using another user's server without their consent is illegal in most countries.
Look for specific proxy servers that provide "Anonymous", "Distorting" or "High Anonymity" browsing. Proxy servers that provide anonymous browsing don't make your IP address available, but they are easy to spot. Distorting proxy servers replace your real IP address with a fake IP address. While "High Anonymity" proxy servers hide your IP address and are difficult to identify as a proxy server
Step 3. Make a note of the IP address and port number of the proxy server you have chosen to use
You may need to contact your proxy server administrator to get this information. In order to use the server in question, you will need to enter the information obtained in the configuration of your internet browser.
Step 4. Start Internet Explorer
This is the default browser on most Windows-based computers and is also very easy to configure to use a proxy server.
Step 5. Select the "Tools" menu located in the bar available at the top of the window
Step 6. Scroll through the menu that appeared and select "Internet Options"
Step 7. Choose the "Use proxy server for LAN connections" option
The acronym LAN stands for Local Area Network and is the most commonly used connection method for accessing the web from home networks.
Step 8. In the text field that appears, type the IP address and port number of the proxy server you have chosen to use
Step 9. At the end press the "OK" button to close the appeared panel and save the new settings
Press the "OK" button again to close the Internet Options window.
