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DNS cache: What it is, and how to clear it
Whenever you visit a website, you use the Domain Name System (DNS), also known as the internet’s phonebook, to translate a domain name like expressvpn.com into a computer-friendly IP address that te...
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What is routing, and why does it matter in networking?
Every single second, incalculable quantities of data travel between networks and devices, and it’s important to ensure that this data flows quickly and efficiently from point A to point B. This proc...
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Network File System (NFS): A secure guide for remote access
The Network File System (NFS) provides multiple computers with an easy way to access the same remote folders through their regular filesystems. NFS has become a widely supported protocol for sharing f...
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VPN passthrough: Do you need it, and how does it actually work?
When you use a virtual private network (VPN) to connect to the internet, most modern protocols, like those used by ExpressVPN, work smoothly with your router and don't need any special settings. But i...
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What are YouTube proxies and are they safe?
A YouTube proxy is a website designed to serve as an intermediary between a device and the streaming platform’s servers. This can bring a few benefits, but it also introduces privacy and security ri...
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Local network access on an iPhone: What it is and why it matters
If you’re using an iPhone with iOS 14 or later, you might see a pop-up from an app asking for permission to "find and connect to devices on your local network." Before granting local network access,...
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What is network-attached storage (NAS)?
Network-attached storage (NAS) is a piece of hardware that connects to a computer network and allows the storing, sharing, and retrieval of files from a single, high-capacity location. It’s also ref...
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What is a default gateway and why does it matter?
A default gateway is the device on your network that handles any traffic meant to go beyond your local network. In most homes and small offices, it’s the router. When your computer, phone, or smart ...
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Types of IP addresses explained: Complete guide
An Internet Protocol (IP) address is a network identifier that tells systems where to send data. Every device that connects to the internet uses one, but not all IP addresses work the same way. Some a...
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What is my local IP address?
Local Internet Protocol (IP) addresses help your devices communicate with each other and your router while remaining separate from the public internet. Knowing your local IP address can help with trou...
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