Certain administrations, companies and even educational establishments impose the use of a proxy to access the Internet. If your Android smartphone or tablet cannot connect to the web, you will need to change the settings for your Wi-Fi connection. You do not know how ? Here are the steps to configure a proxy server on Android..
What is a proxy?
A proxy server is a computer that acts as a gateway between your mobile device and the internet. Without going into technical details, this device is used not only to secure your machine but also to speed up the speed of your connection.
Besides, a significant number of companies and large administrations use this type of machine. This allows them to save bandwidth and offer quality internet access to their employees or users. We often forget it but bandwidth is expensive..
To reduce data usage, the proxy server uses a caching system. So when you browse a site, it will automatically keep a copy of the pages you visit. The next time a user tries to open this page, the proxy server will return the previously stored page. Not only does this technique accelerate exchanges on the net, but it also allows better bandwidth management.
Filtering websites
Companies and large organizations have been confronted for several years with a growing phenomenon, the illegal downloading of files. Indeed, since the creation of Hadopi, some clever people have taken the bad habit of using their company's internet connection to engage in illegal practices..
To fight against their behavior, most companies have implemented a filtering system on the proxy. Once activated, it will block access to all sites broadcasting images that are contrary to morality or considered malicious.
Finally, last important point, contrary to what some people think, you are not anonymous when you surf through a proxy. The network administrator has traces of your visits in the form of log files. According to several studies, very many companies monitor the internet access of their employees.
Add an internet proxy to a Wifi connection on Android
Now that you know what a proxy is for, let's see how to install it on an Android smartphone. This operation does not require any special technical skill. You just have to modify the parameters of your WiFi connection.
- Open the settings of your Android smartphone or tablet
- Click on the Wifi section
- Locate in the list, the network name you want to modify
- Leave your finger pressed on it then click on modify the network
- Then bring down the window and check the advanced options box
- Click on proxy then on Manual
- Enter the IP address of the proxy server provided by the IT manager of your company or organization that provides wireless internet access
- Enter the proxy port
- Validate your configuration by clicking on the save button
Now your smartphone is now able to use a proxy server. To see if everything is working well, simply connect to your wireless internet access and go to a site using your usual browser.