IP rotation is a process that lets you change IP addresses based on configurations. It is a working solution for users who want to send multiple requests while avoiding IP bans.
With almost 2 billion websites available today, you can only scrape a few with one IP before getting banned. However, by rotating IPs, you can send as many requests as if they come from several users.
Keep reading to understand what IP rotation is and how it works!
🔑 Key Takeaways
- Regularly changing your IP address through IP rotation boosts online security, blocking potential tracking of your internet activities.
- IP rotation is vital for data scraping since it prevents IP bans and ensures seamless data collection from diverse IP addresses.
- You can also sidestep regional limitations and access exclusive content from different locations by rotating IPs.
- While IP rotation is generally permissible, you still have to verify local regulations since some regions have restrictions on accessing restricted websites.
Understanding IP Rotation
IP rotation refers to the process of changing your IP address after a scheduled interval or a specific number of requests.
Rotating IPs is a valuable technique for users doing data scraping or related tasks. With a rotating IP address, you can send several requests to a server at a time without getting banned.
How to Rotate IP Addresses?
You can get rotating or revolving IP addresses from your Internet Service Provider (ISP). Using a VPN or a proxy server can also let you rotate IPs.
Here are some methods to rotate your IP address:
1. Fixed or Scheduled IP Rotation
This rotation method works by rotating IP addresses with a specific interval. Most fixed rotations change IP addresses every 15 minutes, 30 minutes, or 1 hour.
Getting scheduled IP rotation is best if you only have a small IP address set and do light tasks.
2. Manual IP Rotation
Rotating your IP manually lets you pick your preferred IP address for a specific request. This method allows you to have better output control.
Manual IP address rotation is best if you target a specific site from a preferred location.
| ✅ Pro Tip You can rotate IPs manually in many ways. However, if you’re using a set of IP addresses from online servers, you can consider rotating proxies in Python. |
3. Random IP Rotation
Random IP address rotation method works like the scheduled one. However, the intervals and the IP addresses you will use are random.
4. Burst IP Rotation
This method works by rotating IPs after a specific request amount. That’s why it is also known as “request-based rotation.”
Burst IP rotation is best for heavy tasks like web scraping or data parsing.
| 📝 Note Due to the frequent changes, you will need a large set of IP addresses for burst IP address rotations. |
5. Proxy IP Rotation
This IP rotation method is possible using a “proxy rotator,” which assigns a new IP address to you from a proxy pool set.
Proxy IP rotation is best for heavy tasks where users are more prone to face blocks and bans for sending multiple requests.
| 👍Helpful Article A proxy rotator usually comes as a paid service offered by a proxy provider. Check out this TechJury article on the top proxy service providers to know more about your options. |
6. Intelligent IP Rotation
Intelligent IP rotation is also from proxy providers, but it is offered in premium plans or packages.
While proxy IP rotation and intelligent IP rotation come from proxy service providers, these methods differ.
Compared to the former, the service provider manages the IP rotation in the intelligent method. The provider analyzes your target site and browsing behavior to know what IPs to use.
7. VPN IP Rotation
A VPN IP address rotation usually comes as an inclusion to a paid VPN package. VPNs with IP rotation change your IP address while browsing.
The only downside to a rotating VPN is that it can often lead to slower performance since it only uses one IP at a time.
Importance of IP Rotation
IP rotation is crucial in many online tasks. It offers more security and anonymity benefits than using a permanent IP address.
Here are some reasons why IP rotation is significant:
Better Anonymity
Using anonymity tools without rotation may mask your online address. However, a VPN or proxy server can only provide a single IP throughout your browsing, making it easy for cyberattackers to trace you.
IP rotation offers better anonymity and security. With rotating IP addresses, you get a new IP with every request or at least every minute or hour.
Searching for Leads
Data and leads are essential for numerous reasons. However, finding them is challenging when you use one IP address.
Lead generation tasks require sending plenty of requests to a server, but the server blocks your IP address for security if you send several requests within a specific time.
Fortunately, a rotating IP gives you a unique address for every request. Rotating your IP with specific intervals makes it look like requests are sent from different users, which results in smoother lead gathering for you.
Accessing Geo-Restricted Content
IP rotation is also essential when bypassing geo-blocking. Static IPs from a proxy or VPN can still block you from accessing region-exclusive content.
However, with a rotating IP address, you can avoid restrictions since you have sets of IPs that can access the site or page.
| 💡Did you know? A static IP address is a fixed IP that secures a constant connection between your network and devices. Your ISP provides this type to you by default. Learn more about what makes static IPs different from the dynamic ones you get from IP rotation. |
Data Scraping
Data scraping will only be smooth when you have a rotating IP address since most sites or services use tools to block scrapers.
With rotating IPs, the server you’re trying to access will see requests from different IPs—letting you enjoy a smoother data scraping process.
SEO Tasks
Having a rotating IP is also helpful for SEO tasks and techniques. With a rotating IP address, you can get keyword rankings from many locations.
You can also do SEO optimization techniques with different IPs to improve ranking.
The Legality of IP Rotation
IP rotation is legal in most countries. There are no laws that prevent you from using an IP other than the one you have. Nonetheless, the legality of IP rotation does not apply to all locations.
IP rotation involves the use of many IP addresses, which can require a VPN or a proxy. If using an anonymity tool is illegal in your location, then IP rotation is also presumably unlawful.
To be safe, research any restrictions on changing IP addresses in your region to avoid legal consequences.
| 💡Did You Know? In 2022, internet censorship affected 4.2 billion users and more from countries with strict online regulations. |
Conclusion
IP rotation allows users to change IP addresses many times. This technique offers better anonymity and lessens the chances of getting blocked by websites.
There are different ways to rotate IP addresses. However, look into your local regulations before utilizing IP rotation for scraping or other purposes to avoid legal repercussions.
FAQs
How often do IPs rotate?
IP addresses from ISPs rotate every 14 days. However, proxies and VPNs can change IPs every few minutes or every hour. You can also set scheduled intervals if customization is allowed.
How does IP location work?
IP location uses a database to determine the IP address range. The IPs usually come from ISPs; you can use them to know the user’s location.
When to use DHCP?
It’s best to use DHCP when encountering errors after a manual IP configuration. DHCP lets you avoid incorrect IP details, conflicts on IP assignments, and more.
Timeline Of The Article
Sirisha is a networking enthusiast with a bachelor's degree in computer science and engineering. She has developed a keen interest in Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) and has gone the extra mile to gain firsthand experience and knowledge.