Obfuscated servers

Obfuscated servers are specialized VPN servers that disguise VPN traffic to make it appear like normal internet activity. In general, VPNs encrypt user internet activity so that the content is unreadable, but the traffic is identifiable as coming from a VPN. This identification can lead to restrictions, such as blocking or slowing down VPN connections, particularly in areas with strict internet controls.

These obfuscated servers change the encryption and data packets as they are sent, disguising them as regular HTTPS traffic to help users penetrate firewalls, VPN bans, and DPI or deep packet inspections. Obfuscation essentially "hides" the use of a VPN.

How obfuscated servers work

Obfuscated servers are designed to conceal VPN traffic by employing methods such as traffic scrambling or protocol masking. Here’s how it works:

1. Traffic encryption: As with regular VPN servers, obfuscated servers encrypt user data.
2. Protocol obfuscation: They change or jumble the metadata in data packets so that the traffic appears like regular HTTPS activity. This is typically achieved through the use of protocols such as OpenVPN with obfuscation, Shadowsocks, or bespoke solutions.
3. Passive detection: Firewalls and DPI devices cannot identify the disguised VPN traffic and allow it to pass.

Advantages of using obfuscated servers

• Bypass Firewalls and Access Blocked Websites: Thanks to this added layer of code, obfuscated servers are especially useful for circumventing firewalls and accessing restricted content, even in highly censored areas.
• Added Privacy: These servers help ensure anonymity, as VPN usage is masked, preventing tunnel interception or scrutiny by authorities.
• Bypassing VPN Blocks: With obfuscated servers, you can bypass speed limits and blocked VPNs without any interruption in service.
• Bypass Any Network: Obfuscated servers are capable of working on public Wi-Fi, corporate networks, and government-disallowed connections—in other words, anywhere traditional VPNs would be blocked.

Limitations of obfuscated servers

Obfuscated servers offer some significant benefits, but there are a few disadvantages:

• Reduced speeds: Because obfuscation adds a layer of processing to your data, connections may occasionally be slower than regular servers.
• Not all providers provide it: Not all VPN services offer obfuscation as a feature, and even where it is offered, it may only be available on certain servers or in certain regions.
• Technical complexity: Setting up obfuscated servers can be technical for some users, but the majority of top VPN providers make this process as user-friendly as possible.

VPNs with obfuscation servers

• Surfshark VPN (The biggest draw of Surfshark VPN is that you can connect an unlimited number of devices to a single subscription, which is not the case with most other VPN providers.).

• NordVPN (Strong privacy protection with military-grade encryption. It offers a large server network, allowing for fast and reliable connections, and is superb at unblocking streaming services. It has a few unique features such as strong security, fast speeds, and global coverage.).

• PureVPN (PureVPN is a fairly successful VPN service at low prices.).

Obfuscated servers are a crucial tool for anyone looking to circumvent censorship, maintain anonymity, or freely access the web in heavily surveilled regions. These servers help internet users regain control of their online life by disguising VPN traffic as normal web traffic. While obfuscated servers are not tools you need to use every day, they become invaluable when dealing with censorship or surveillance, or when you simply want to connect in situations where a normal connection wouldn't work. If you seek advanced privacy and access to the free internet, a VPN with obfuscation servers is the right choice.