A mechanism enabling network requests originating from Apple mobile devices to be routed through an intermediary computer. This intermediary, acting as a gateway, receives requests from the device, forwards them to the intended destination server, and then relays the response back to the device. Configuration typically involves specifying the intermediary’s address and port number within the device’s network settings.
Employing this redirection offers enhanced security and privacy. By masking the device’s actual IP address, it becomes more difficult for websites and online services to track the user’s location. Additionally, this architecture can facilitate content filtering, access control, and data caching, improving network performance and managing bandwidth consumption. Historically, its implementation has grown in significance alongside increasing concerns about online surveillance and data security.