Mobilink, Use of Proxy/Cache Server
I was not aware that Mobilink uses Squid which is a proxy/cache server. I guess this is how they implement bandwidth quotas. Not sure if other ISPs in Pakistan also use it. If implemented correctly, proxy can be a good thing, however, there are applications just don’t work well with proxy. The other day I experienced a weired problem where web sites would load erratically. Initially, I thought that they problem is with my computer, but after a couple of reboots, I got the following message:
Mobilink Squid Error
Ok, so Mobilink uses Squid to proxy and cache Internet requests. I guess this is controlled via settings in the Zyxel box, as no browser configuration is required. Or, perhaps, it is a transparent proxy. I really believe that the use of cache server should be optional. If configured properly, a cache server can reduce the download time significantly. It can also mess things up, as evident in the above image.
That’s really a pain in back. Wonder if there is a way to bypass this cache or one has to wait till server’s cache is cleared?
I believe it is not possible to bypass the cache server. All traffic goes through Mobilink and they can make it go through anyserver they like!