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wikiHow:Proxy Blocking

Many Internet users share IP addresses via Internet Service Provider (ISP) proxies, such as America Online (AOL). As such, IP addresses within these IP ranges should not be blocked for extended periods of time.

EditList of AOL Proxies

  • 64.12.96.x – 64.12.127.x
  • 149.174.160.x – 149.174.175.x
  • 152.163.x.x
  • 195.93.0.x – 195.93.127.x
  • 198.81.0.x – 198.81.31.x
  • 202.67.64.128 – 202.67.64.x
  • 205.188.x.x – 205.188.x.x
  • 207.200.112.x – 207.200.119.x

(x = 0-255)


For example, an IP address of 64.12.100.200 would be an AOL proxy (between 64.12.96.x and 64.12.127.x).

EditShared Proxies Explained

Some individual IP addresses have a wide variety of contributions. Individual edits may range from good-faithed contributions to rampant vandalism.


This occurs when a particular IP address falls within the range of a shared proxy. Some ISPs, such as AOL, use multiple IP addresses to obtain information from multiple websites.


For example, if JohnSmith signs on to AOL and connects to wikiHow.com, AOL may assign his computer an IP address of 1.1.1.1, specifically used to access wikiHow. While still browsing wikiHow, JohnSmith may open a new window and connect to Google. Thus, AOL may assign him an IP address of 1.1.1.2 to access Google, while still maintaining the former IP to access wikiHow.


Therefore it's impractical to block IPs that fall under shared proxy ranges for extended periods of time because the users frequently change. AOL users connecting to wikiHow may find that they are blocked as a result of another AOL user found to be vandalizing on that same IP.

EditFurther Reading

Article Info

Categories: Noted IP Addresses | Being an Admin

Recent edits by: Lillian May, BR, Rob S

Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 2,318 times.