Blocking applications on corporate and educational networks is not a technical coincidence but a deliberate policy. This article explains how blocking works in technical terms — it is not a guide to circumventing institutional policy.
The acceptable use policy of the network you are connected to is binding. Attempting to circumvent policy on a corporate network can lead to disciplinary proceedings and, in some cases, legal consequences. If you need access, the right path is to talk to your IT department.
Blocking Layers
The layers work together. The fourth layer is becoming increasingly common on corporate networks.
Why Are Games Blocked in Particular?
- Bandwidth: game downloads saturate the shared line.
- Productivity policy: usage is restricted during working/class hours.
- Security: applications using P2P and dynamic ports cannot be inspected.
- Legal responsibility: the organization is responsible for the traffic that leaves its network.
How Does a Gateway Proxy Work?
The policy engine identifies the user through authentication; the records are retained for audit purposes.
The symptom tells you which layer is in play, and that lets you ask the right question when you talk to the IT team.
The Right Approach
If you have a legitimate business need (a development tool that has been blocked, for example), the fastest route is to tell the IT team in writing which domain, over which port and for what reason you need access. Organizations usually grant documented exceptions.
The Legitimate Role of Proxies in the Enterprise
Ironically, on corporate networks the proxy itself is part of the infrastructure: it provides central control, caching, authentication and reporting. This is the same technology family as the forward proxy products on this site; the difference is whose behalf it acts on. We cover the distinction in forward vs. reverse proxy article.
To see the exit point on your own network, use My IP Address, and to measure connection latency, use ping test tools.