Every connection request on the internet carries a unique identifier: an IP address. IP addresses can be used for tracking or attacks, so hiding or changing this IP address—known as "IP hiding"—has become an important need for many to protect their online privacy and security. The principles and methods behind this can be collectively referred to as "hidden IP resolution." This isn't a single magic trick, but rather a series of operations with clear purposes and technical paths.

The most well-known method is probably using a proxy server. You can think of it as a relay station. When you want to access a website, your request isn't sent directly to it, but first to the proxy server. The proxy server accesses the target website on your behalf, receives the data returned by the website, and then forwards it to you. For the target website, it sees the proxy server's IP address, not your real IP address. This completes the most basic form of IP hiding. There are many types of proxies; for example, HTTP proxies are mainly used for web browsing, while SOCKS proxies are more low-level and can handle more types of network traffic. Using a proxy is relatively simple, but speed, stability, and security largely depend on the reliability of the proxy server you find. Some free proxies may even eavesdrop on or tamper with your data.

A more powerful and systematic tool than a proxy is a Private Private Network (VPN). A VPN establishes an encrypted "tunnel" between your device (computer, phone) and the servers provided by the VPN provider. All your network traffic first flows through this encrypted tunnel to the VPN server, and then the server accesses the external internet. This process brings two benefits: first, the target website sees the VPN server's IP address; second, your data is encrypted within the tunnel, making it difficult to crack even if intercepted on your local network (such as a coffee shop's Wi-Fi). Therefore, VPNs not only hide your IP address but also enhance the security of data transmission. When choosing a VPN, it's important to pay attention to the provider's privacy policy (whether they log your activity), server distribution, and connection speed.

In recent years, the Tor network has become another option for users seeking high anonymity. Its design is quite unique. Unlike VPNs that use only one server for relaying, Tor encrypts and redirects your network traffic multiple times between a series of randomly selected relay nodes operated by volunteers. Each node a traffic packet is passed through peels away a layer of encryption, much like peeling an onion (hence the name Tor). Traffic eventually reaches its target website from the final "exit node." Because of these multiple random transits, no single node can simultaneously know both the source and destination of the traffic, making tracking extremely difficult. This makes Tor incredibly robust in terms of privacy protection, but at the cost of typically slower connection speeds, making it less suitable for downloading large files or watching high-definition videos.

Besides these actively used tools, some network environments themselves offer anonymity. For example, connecting to a public Wi-Fi network uses the network's publicly accessible IP address, partially masking your personal home IP. However, this method is very rudimentary; your activity may not be secure in front of other devices on the same network, and public Wi-Fi itself is often a target for hackers.

So, why do we need to hide our IP addresses? The motivations are varied. Ordinary people may simply want to avoid excessive tracking of their browsing habits by advertisers and desire a more private space online. Journalists or activists working in sensitive areas may need to protect their information sources and communications security. When employees are traveling for work, connecting back to the company intranet via a private private network allows them to hide their online activity while securely accessing internal resources. However, we must recognize that every technology has its downsides. Powerful anonymity tools can be used for illegal activities, but just as the knife itself is innocent, the key lies in the user's intent. For most ordinary people, the core value of hiding your IP address lies in regaining some control over your personal online privacy, reducing the risk of targeted advertising, geolocation exposure, and even phishing and targeted attacks.

In practice, there is no single best solution. If you prioritize speed and stability while requiring encryption (such as when using public Wi-Fi), a good paid private network service is a balanced choice. If you need highly sensitive, anonymous communication or access and don't prioritize speed, the Tor network is more suitable. If you only need to temporarily change your IP address to access regionally restricted websites, a reliable proxy server may suffice. The key is to understand their basic principles and advantages and disadvantages.

Finally, it's important to emphasize that hiding your IP address is only one piece of the puzzle for online privacy and security. It doesn't make you "invisible" online. A more comprehensive personal network protection system can be built by combining good habits such as using HTTPS encrypted connections, being careful not to disclose personal information, keeping operating systems and software updated, and using strong passwords and two-factor authentication.