Working from home is not as easy as some may think. Sometimes, you get your IP address blocked or otherwise inaccessible. Luckily, you are here where you will be informed how to handle this kind of situation.
Before finding out how to unblock your IP address that has been blocked, it is better for you to know the basics first. The first thing that you have to know is IP. So, what is IP? Do you know about it and have you ever heard about it before?
IP is the abbreviation of Internet Protocol. This one is a set of rules and standards that govern the way information is routed, addressed, and structured across networks. An IP address that you can find in your computer acts like a unique digital identifier. With this number, both your computer and network can be identified, making it possible for the other computers to find you. Basically, if your IP is blocked, there is no way for the other computers to identify you properly, which is clearly not good as you will be prevented from accessing specific online resources as you normally would. You can tell that your IP address is blocked when you fail to access certain websites, fail to access your email account, or fail to log in to your network remotely.
There are a few possible reasons why your IP has been temporarily blocked. Some of them are as follows:
- You have been on the network too long without logging off: One of the most common reasons why your IP address is blocked is you have been on the network too long without logging off. In fact, your network can be affected negatively if you leave your computer on while you are away from the office.
- Your computer is infected with malware or some other malicious programs: Keep in mind that your IP address will be blocked by the network administrators out of caution. If you have a fragile computer, there is a high chance of it getting infected. If it is infected, malicious software can spread through the network. Sometimes, it can also affect the servers of the network. In addition, it can also damage hardware.
- You are accessing too many resources: If you are exceeding the number of resources you are allotted, your IP address can get blocked by the network administrators. It is a normal thing, especially with large organizations. However, they will usually do it temporarily.
- You are logging in from an unknown location: If you use public Wi-Fi or log in remotely, do not be surprised if your IP address gets blocked. The IP addresses usually get blocked by network administrators to prevent unwanted access.
- You are using a VPN or proxy server: In order to prevent VPNs or proxy servers from accessing their network, some companies usually block certain IP addresses.
While getting your IP address blocked can be suck, the good news is that there are a few methods to fix it. Make sure to try one of these following methods if you are in the same situation:
Method 1: Change your IP address
It is possible for you to change your IP address that is blocked. However, it depends on the reason. If the reason your IP address is blocked is due to a high volume of access, the number of resources that you are using can be reduced. Aside from that, it is also possible for you to access less-critical resources such as Wi-Fi or public internet.
In the case when your computer is infected, you are suggested to report the issue to your network administrator. If it is using too many resources, you can try to limit the amount of time you leave your computer on. In addition, you can also try to power it off remotely, which can be done by using a VPN or other remote access service.
Method 2: Use a proxy
A proxy server is the kind of server that routes network requests. To route network requests for security and performance reasons, proxy servers are sometimes used by some companies. As these kinds of servers have no ability to differentiate between good and bad traffic, they will route every network request through them, including blocked IP addresses. If you are able to log into a proxy server, it means you can use it to unblock your IP address. Finding proxy servers and guides on how to log into them can be found online.
Method 3: Establish an incognito session
Browsing the internet means leaving behind a digital trail. The reason is because every website, especially the ones that enable you to log in or conduct transactions, leaves behind cookies on your computer. These kinds of cookies are the ones that allow the website to remember who you are and what you have done.
When you visit the same website for the second time and so on, you can be recognized by the cookies that you left behind. To limit the number of cookies a website leaves behind, just use incognito mode. While there is no way for you to log in using incognito mode, it will keep your browsing anonymous.
Method 4: Use a VPN
While it has been stated that using a VPN can make your IP address blocked, in the case when you did not use it in the first place, it can be a solution that is worth trying. VPN stands for Virtual Private Network. This one refers to the software with the ability to connect two computers through an encrypted tunnel. By using a VPN, you will be allowed to connect a remote server and access the internet as if you were at that area. With the help of this software, you should be able to access to something that you cannot.
When you connect to the VPN server, your IP address that is blocked will show up as the IP address of the server. It will be needed for you to look for a VPN that is approved to use with the resources of your company. If a VPN is used by your company, just go to its official website to find the information about it.
