While numerous proxy types exist, 4G mobile proxies stand out for their unique benefits, particularly when managing social media accounts. This comprehensive guide will take you through the step-by-step process of setting up your own 4G mobile proxy server, granting you full control, customization options, and significant cost savings.
Why Create Your Own 4G Proxy Servers?
Creating your own 4G proxy servers comes with several benefits:
- Cost Savings: Commercial mobile proxies can be expensive. By setting up your own, you can save significantly on recurring costs.
- Control and Customization: With your own proxy server, you have full control over its configuration and usage. This allows for better customization to meet your specific needs.
- Enhanced Privacy and Security: Using your own proxy server means you're not relying on third-party services, reducing the risk of data breaches and enhancing your online privacy.
- Better Performance: Self-hosted proxies can offer better performance since they are dedicated to your specific tasks and not shared with other users.
Hardware and Tools Needed
Next, let's explore the essential hardware and tools required to build your own 4G mobile proxy server.
- Raspberry Pi: Any model that meets your performance needs, but a Raspberry Pi 3 or later is recommended. (It's an affordable single-board computer)
- MicroSD Card: At least 16GB, class 10 for better performance.
- 4G LTE or 5G USB Modem: Compatible with the network bands of your service provider.
- SIM Card: With a data plan, ideally with no bandwidth throttling.
- Power Adapter: For the Raspberry Pi.
- Ethernet Cable: If you prefer a wired network connection for setup or operation.
- USB Hub: If using multiple USB devices and the Raspberry Pi lacks sufficient ports.
- Operating System: Raspberry Pi OS is the most common choice.
- Proxy Server Software: Squid, 3proxy, TinyProxy, Nginx, or Privoxy.
- Additional Tools: Network management tools, security software, monitoring and logging tools, and automation and scripting tools.
Step-by-Step to Create 4G Mobile Proxy
Step 1. Prepare the Hardware
Insert the MicroSD Card:
Load your selected operating system (Raspberry Pi OS) onto the MicroSD card using the Raspberry Pi Imager.
Set Up the 4G LTE USB Modem or Phone:
Insert the SIM card with an active data plan into the 4G LTE USB modem. Connect the modem to one of the USB ports on the Raspberry Pi.
If using a phone, enable USB tethering from the settings after connecting it to the Raspberry Pi via USB cable.
Step 2: Set Up the Operating System
Power Up the Raspberry Pi:
Connect the power adapter to the Raspberry Pi and plug it into a power source.
Configure Raspberry Pi OS:
On the first boot, set up user accounts, network preferences, and other initial settings via the welcome wizard or the Raspberry Pi configuration menu.
Step 3: Install and Configure Proxy Server Software
Update Package List:
sudo apt update
Install Squid:
sudo apt install squid
Identify Network Interfaces:
ip a
Typically, the Ethernet interface is eth0
and the USB dongle might appear as usb0
or wwan0
.
Assign IP Addresses: Edit the dhcpcd.conf
file to set static IPs.
sudo nano /etc/dhcpcd.conf
Example for eth0
:
interface eth0
static ip_address=192.168.1.100/24
static routers=192.168.1.1
static domain_name_servers=192.168.1.1
Enable IP Forwarding:
echo “net.ipv4.ip_forward=1” | sudo tee -a /etc/sysctl.conf
sudo sysctl -p
Set Up IP Masquerading:
sudo iptables -t nat -A POSTROUTING -o usb0 -j MASQUERADE
sudo netfilter-persistent save
Configure Squid as a Forward Proxy
- Backup the original Squid configuration file:
sudo cp /etc/squid/squid.conf /etc/squid/squid.conf.backup
- Edit the Squid configuration file:
sudo nano /etc/squid/squid.conf
Add the following lines to set basic access controls:
http_port 3128
acl localnet src 192.168.1.0/24 # Adjust this CIDR to match your local network
http_access allow localnet
http_access deny all
- Set up DNS:
sudo nano /etc/resolv.conf
Add nameservers:
nameserver 8.8.8.8
nameserver 8.8.4.4
- Restart Squid:
sudo systemctl restart squid
Step 4: Testing and Troubleshooting
Test the Proxy
To test your new proxy, connect to it from your computer. Open your browser and configure it to use your Raspberry Pi's IP address and port 3128. Then, try accessing the internet to make sure the proxy is working. If you can browse the web, congratulations—you have a functioning mobile proxy!
Monitor Proxy Activity:
To monitor the activity and performance of your proxy, you can check the Squid access logs by running the following command:
sudo tail -f /var/log/squid/access.log
Tips and Troubleshooting
- Common Issues: Ensure the USB modem is properly recognized by the Raspberry Pi. Check for power issues if using multiple USB devices.
- Configuration Errors: Double-check IP addresses and network interface names in your configuration files.
- Performance Tuning: Adjust Squid settings for better performance based on your specific use case.
By following these steps, you've successfully set up your own 4G mobile proxy. Now, you can enjoy the benefits of a fully functional mobile proxy server tailored just for you.
A Simpler Solution with Proxy-Seller
If you find the DIY approach daunting or gathering the necessary hardware and tools too overwhelming, there's a simpler alternative: Proxy-Seller's tailored mobile proxy solutions. With their plug-and-play proxy kit, which includes a modem, microserver, USB hub, SD card, and Type A to Type B cable, you can quickly set up your mobile proxy server.
Simply connect the hardware, execute a few commands, and you'll gain access to the Proxy-Seller mobile proxy management control panel, where you can easily view and manage your proxies. All you need to worry about is a monthly management fee.
Step 1. Set Up SIM Cards:
Purchase SIM cards from a trustworthy carrier with low spam scores and unlimited monthly tariff plans. Insert each SIM card into a modem.
Step 2. Connect USB Hub and Modems:
Plug the USB hub into power and connect it to the microserver using the Type A to Type B cable. Plug in each modem with the inserted SIM cards into the USB hub.
Step 3. Insert SD Card Into Microserver
The Ambient OS will already be installed if you've purchased from Proxy-Seller. After that, you must insert the SD card into the microserver (TV tuner) once the OS installation is complete.
Step 4. Provide Internet Connectivity:
Connect an Ethernet cable to your microserver to ensure internet connectivity. While WiFi can also be used, it may require additional configuration and is not recommended due to potential instability.
Step 5. Connect Peripherals:
Connect a monitor and keyboard to the microserver for initial setup. These are only needed during setup and configuration.
Step 6. Power On and Configure:
Power on the microserver and follow the booting process. Use ‘root' as both the username and ‘root-123' as the password for initial authorization.
Step 7. Access Proxy-Seller Control Panel:
Once booted, access the Proxy-Seller control panel. Obtain the setup URL from the control panel to connect your setup.
Step 8. Configure Proxy Settings:
In the Proxy-Seller mobile control panel, you can view all connected modems and their respective IP addresses. Set IP rotation times, manage proxy settings, and control proxy activation.
Step 9. Operational Management:
Utilize the Proxy-Seller control panel to monitor and manage your mobile proxy farm. You can perform tasks such as changing IP addresses, enabling/disabling proxies, and monitoring performance.
Click the button below to learn more about Proxy-seller's mobile proxy solutions.
Conclusion
Creating your own 4G mobile proxy server is a cost-effective and customizable solution for enhancing your online privacy and security. By following this guide, you can set up your own proxy server, gain full control over its configuration, and enjoy the benefits of using a dedicated mobile proxy. For those seeking a simpler alternative, Proxy-Seller offers an excellent service for creating and managing mobile proxies with ease.