I. Introduction
1. There are several reasons why someone might consider the option to buy an IPv4 block:
a) Address Exhaustion: The primary reason is the exhaustion of IPv4 addresses. The global demand for internet connectivity has resulted in a shortage of available IPv4 addresses. Buying an IPv4 block allows businesses to acquire a larger pool of addresses for their network infrastructure needs.
b) Scalability: Having a sufficient number of IPv4 addresses is crucial for businesses looking to scale their operations. By buying an IPv4 block, organizations can ensure they have enough addresses to accommodate their growing network requirements.
c) IP Reputation: Buying an IPv4 block can help businesses maintain a clean IP reputation. If an organization's IP address becomes blacklisted due to spamming or other malicious activities, having a pool of additional addresses can help mitigate the impact and allow the business to continue operating smoothly.
d) Cost-Effectiveness: In some cases, buying an IPv4 block can be a cost-effective solution compared to other alternatives. For businesses that require a significant number of IP addresses, leasing or renting individual IPs can become expensive over time. By purchasing a block, organizations can reduce their long-term costs.
2. The primary purpose behind the decision to buy an IPv4 block is to ensure a sufficient supply of IP addresses for network infrastructure. IPv4 addresses are essential for devices to connect to the internet and communicate with one another. By purchasing an IPv4 block, businesses can secure a pool of addresses that can be used for various purposes, such as hosting websites, running servers, establishing VPN connections, or supporting IoT devices. The availability of IPv4 addresses is crucial for maintaining a stable and scalable network environment.
II. Types of Proxy Servers
1. The main types of proxy servers available for those looking to buy an IPv4 block are:
a) Datacenter proxies: These proxies are provided by third-party datacenters and offer a high level of anonymity. They route your internet traffic through their servers, masking your IP address and location. Datacenter proxies are typically fast and cost-effective options for general web scraping, online anonymity, and bypassing geo-restrictions.
b) Residential proxies: These proxies use real residential IP addresses provided by internet service providers (ISPs). They offer the highest level of anonymity and are more reliable when it comes to accessing websites that are difficult to scrape with datacenter proxies. Residential proxies are commonly used for social media management, market research, and ad verification.
c) Mobile proxies: These proxies use IP addresses allocated to mobile devices, such as smartphones or tablets. They offer a higher level of anonymity and are ideal for mobile app testing, mobile ad verification, and mobile-focused data collection.
2. The different proxy types cater to specific needs of individuals or businesses looking to buy an IPv4 block in the following ways:
a) Datacenter proxies suit businesses or individuals who require high-speed, cost-effective proxies for general web scraping, accessing geo-restricted content, or maintaining online anonymity.
b) Residential proxies are suitable for those who need more reliable and undetectable proxies for tasks like social media management, market research, and ad verification, where it is crucial to mimic real user behavior.
c) Mobile proxies are beneficial for businesses or individuals focusing on mobile app testing, mobile ad verification, or mobile-focused data collection, as they offer IP addresses allocated to mobile devices.
By offering different levels of anonymity, reliability, and IP address types, these proxy types cater to specific needs, allowing businesses and individuals to choose the most suitable option for their requirements. Whether it's speed, reliability, or the ability to mimic real user behavior, each proxy type offers distinct advantages for various use cases.
III. Considerations Before Use
1. Factors to Consider Before Buying IPv4 Block:
a. Address Space Requirements: Evaluate the number of IPv4 addresses your organization or network requires. Consider factors such as the number of devices, future growth, and any specific needs for IP addresses.
b. Cost: Determine your budget for purchasing an IPv4 block. Consider the market prices for IPv4 addresses and compare them with your budget to assess feasibility.
c. Legal and Regulatory Compliance: Familiarize yourself with the relevant regulations and policies governing the purchase and transfer of IPv4 addresses in your region. Ensure that your planned purchase aligns with these requirements.
d. Reputation and Reliability: Research and choose a reputable broker or seller to ensure a secure transaction and reliable IP addresses.
e. Technical Compatibility: Ensure that the purchased IPv4 block is compatible with your existing network infrastructure and equipment.
f. Future Scalability: Consider your future scalability needs and whether the purchased IPv4 block will be sufficient for your organization's growth plans.
g. IP Address Management: Assess your ability to effectively manage and allocate the purchased IP addresses. Consider whether you have the necessary resources and tools for proper IP address management.
2. Assessing Needs and Budget:
a. Inventory of Devices: Take inventory of all the devices that require IP addresses, including servers, routers, switches, and other network devices. Determine the number of IP addresses required for each device.
b. Growth Projection: Estimate your organization's growth and the number of additional devices that will require IP addresses in the future. This will help determine the size of the IPv4 block you need to purchase.
c. IP Address Utilization: Analyze your current IP address utilization to identify any potential inefficiencies or unused addresses. This will help optimize your IP address allocation and avoid purchasing more IP addresses than necessary.
d. Budget Allocation: Allocate a specific budget for purchasing an IPv4 block. Consider other expenses such as legal fees, broker fees, and any additional costs associated with the purchase.
e. Market Research: Research the current market prices for IPv4 addresses to get an idea of the costs involved. Compare these prices with your budget to determine whether it is feasible to buy an IPv4 block.
f. Consultation: Seek advice from IT professionals or consultants who are knowledgeable about IP address management and can help assess your needs and budget accurately.
By carefully considering these factors and assessing your needs and budget, you can make an informed decision when buying an IPv4 block.
IV. Choosing a Provider
1. Selecting a reputable provider when you're ready to buy an IPv4 block is crucial to ensure a smooth and secure purchase process. Here are some steps to help you in the selection process:
a. Research: Start by conducting thorough research on different providers in the market. Look for their reputation, customer reviews, and the number of successful transactions they have completed.
b. Experience: Choose a provider with extensive experience in the IPv4 market. An experienced provider will have a better understanding of the market dynamics and can guide you through the process effectively.
c. Pricing: Compare the pricing offered by different providers. Be cautious of unusually low prices, as they may indicate potential scams or low-quality addresses. Ensure that the price you are paying is reasonable and aligned with the market rate.
d. Support: Check if the provider offers good customer support. They should be responsive and willing to answer any questions or concerns you may have before, during, and after the purchase.
e. Legal Compliance: Ensure that the provider operates in compliance with the applicable laws and regulations related to IPv4 transfers. This will help you avoid any legal complications in the future.
f. Reputation: Look for providers with a good reputation in the industry. Seek recommendations from trusted sources or consult with other professionals who have experience in buying IPv4 blocks.
2. While most providers primarily cater to businesses and organizations, there are a few providers that offer services designed for individuals or smaller businesses looking to buy IPv4 blocks. Some of these providers include:
a. IPv4 Global: This provider offers services for businesses of all sizes, including individual buyers. They have a wide range of IPv4 blocks available for purchase.
b. Hilco Streambank: Hilco Streambank specializes in assisting businesses with the acquisition and sale of intellectual property assets, including IPv4 blocks.
c. Prefix Broker: This provider offers services for both businesses and individuals looking to buy IPv4 blocks. They have a user-friendly platform and provide personalized assistance throughout the purchasing process.
It's important to note that individual buyers may face more challenges in finding providers that specifically cater to their needs. However, contacting reputable IPv4 brokers or conducting thorough research can help individuals find suitable providers.
V. Setup and Configuration
1. Steps involved in setting up and configuring a proxy server after buying an IPv4 block:
Step 1: Choose a Proxy Server Software
There are several proxy server software options available, such as Squid, Nginx, Apache, and HAProxy. Choose the one that best suits your needs and install it on your server.
Step 2: Configure Proxy Server Software
After installation, you need to configure the proxy server software. This includes setting up the listening port, defining access control rules, and configuring caching options. Each software has its own configuration files and syntax, so refer to the documentation specific to the software you choose.
Step 3: Obtain IPv4 Addresses
Before you can configure the proxy server, you need to assign the purchased IPv4 addresses to your server. Contact your Internet Service Provider (ISP) or the Regional Internet Registry (RIR) from where you bought the IPv4 block to obtain information about how to assign the addresses to your server.
Step 4: Assign IPv4 Addresses to the Proxy Server
Once you have the IPv4 addresses, you need to assign them to your proxy server. This can be done by modifying the network configuration files on your server. Again, the exact steps may vary depending on the operating system and server configuration.
Step 5: Test and Troubleshoot
After configuring the proxy server and assigning the IPv4 addresses, it is crucial to test the setup to ensure it is working properly. Test both internal and external connectivity, make sure the proxy server is listening on the correct port, and verify that it is properly forwarding traffic.
2. Common setup issues to watch out for when buying IPv4 blocks and how to resolve them:
1. IP Address Conflicts: Ensure that the IP addresses you purchase are not already assigned to another entity. Verify the uniqueness of the addresses before buying.
2. Reverse DNS Setup: Reverse DNS (PTR) records are crucial for proper email delivery and security. Configure reverse DNS records for your proxy server's IP addresses to prevent email delivery issues and enhance security.
3. Firewall and Security Configuration: Configure firewall rules to allow incoming and outgoing traffic through the proxy server. Ensure proper security measures are in place to prevent unauthorized access and potential attacks.
4. Bandwidth and Performance: Consider the bandwidth requirements of your proxy server and ensure that the purchased IPv4 block can meet those requirements. Optimize the server's performance by adjusting caching settings and implementing load balancing if necessary.
5. Monitoring and Maintenance: Set up monitoring tools to keep an eye on the proxy server's performance and availability. Regularly update and maintain the proxy server software and the server itself to ensure optimal performance and security.
In case you encounter any issues during the setup process, it is advisable to consult with experts or seek assistance from your ISP or the RIR from where you purchased the IPv4 block.
VI. Security and Anonymity
1. When you buy an IPv4 block, it can contribute to online security and anonymity in several ways:
a. Dedicated IP Address: By purchasing an IPv4 block, you gain exclusive use of the IP addresses within that block. This means that you are not sharing the IP addresses with other users, reducing the risk of being affected by their activities. It provides better control over your online presence and reduces the chances of being targeted by cybercriminals.
b. Enhanced Protection: Having your own IPv4 block allows you to implement advanced security measures, such as firewall configurations, intrusion detection systems, and other security protocols tailored to your specific needs. This additional layer of protection can help safeguard your network and sensitive data from potential threats.
c. Anonymity: By using an IPv4 block, you can maintain a certain level of anonymity online. By having dedicated IP addresses, it becomes harder for others to trace your online activities back to you. This can be beneficial for individuals or businesses who value privacy and want to protect their digital identity.
2. To ensure your security and anonymity once you have bought an IPv4 block, it is vital to follow these practices:
a. Regular Updates and Patches: Keep all the devices and software connected to your IPv4 block up to date with the latest security patches and updates. This ensures that any known vulnerabilities are patched, reducing the risk of exploitation by malicious actors.
b. Strong Passwords: Use strong, unique passwords for all devices and accounts associated with your IPv4 block. Avoid using common or easily guessable passwords and consider implementing two-factor authentication for additional security.
c. Network Monitoring: Regularly monitor your network for any suspicious activities or unauthorized access attempts. Implement network monitoring tools and intrusion detection systems to detect and respond to any potential threats promptly.
d. Encryption: Use encryption protocols, such as SSL/TLS, for secure data transmission over your IPv4 block. This ensures that sensitive information remains protected and inaccessible to unauthorized individuals.
e. Regular Audits: Conduct regular security audits to identify any potential vulnerabilities or weaknesses in your network infrastructure. This helps in proactively addressing any security concerns and mitigating risks.
f. Educate Users: Educate all users within your network about best security practices, such as avoiding suspicious emails or downloads, being cautious on social media, and using strong authentication methods. Human error can often be a significant security risk, so ensuring everyone understands the importance of security is crucial.
By following these practices, you can enhance your security and anonymity when using your purchased IPv4 block effectively.
VII. Benefits of Owning a Proxy Server
1. The key benefits individuals or businesses can expect to receive when they buy an IPv4 block include:
a) Increased IP address availability: As the demand for IP addresses continues to rise, the supply of IPv4 addresses is depleting. Buying an IPv4 block ensures that you have a dedicated pool of IP addresses available for your personal or business needs.
b) Flexibility and scalability: Owning an IPv4 block provides you with the flexibility to allocate IP addresses as per your requirements. This scalability enables you to easily expand your network infrastructure without relying on external sources for IP address allocations.
c) Cost savings: Buying an IPv4 block can be a cost-effective solution in the long run. Rather than repeatedly leasing IP addresses from service providers, owning a block allows you to avoid recurring rental fees and save money over time.
d) Improved network performance: With your own IPv4 block, you have more control over your network, which can lead to better performance and stability. This is especially important for businesses that rely heavily on internet-based services and need consistent connectivity.
2. Buy IPv4 block can be advantageous for personal or business purposes in several ways:
a) Business expansion: For businesses looking to expand their operations, having a dedicated IPv4 block provides the necessary resources to support the growth. It ensures that there are sufficient IP addresses available for new servers, devices, or services.
b) Enhanced security: In certain industries, security is of utmost importance. Buying an IPv4 block allows businesses to implement more robust security measures, such as establishing private networks or implementing stricter access controls.
c) Geo-targeting and SEO: For businesses that rely on targeted marketing or search engine optimization (SEO), having a range of IP addresses from different geographical locations can be beneficial. It allows them to create local presence and improve their online visibility in specific regions.
d) Avoiding blacklisting: Shared IP addresses can be at risk of being blacklisted if any other user on the same IP engages in malicious activities. By owning a block, businesses can ensure their IP addresses are clean and not associated with any negative reputation.
e) Smooth transition to IPv6: Although IPv6 is the future, many networks still rely on IPv4 addresses. By buying an IPv4 block, businesses can continue to operate in IPv4 space while gradually transitioning to IPv6 at their own pace.
It is important to note that the advantages may vary depending on the specific needs and requirements of each individual or business.
VIII. Potential Drawbacks and Risks
1. Potential Limitations and Risks after Buying an IPv4 Block:
a) Depletion: The scarcity of available IPv4 addresses is a major concern. Buying an IPv4 block does not solve the underlying problem of IPv4 exhaustion. As more organizations struggle to obtain IPv4 addresses, the value of existing blocks may decrease over time.
b) Cost: The price of purchasing an IPv4 block can be significant, especially if it's from a reputable source. This upfront cost may deter some organizations from acquiring their own block.
c) IP Address Reputation: When acquiring an IPv4 block, there is a possibility that the block may have a poor IP reputation due to previous misuse. This could result in deliverability issues, as email servers and other online platforms may treat incoming traffic from those IPs with suspicion or block them altogether.
d) Maintenance and Administration: Managing a block of IPv4 addresses requires technical expertise and resources. This includes ensuring proper routing, subnetting, and IP address allocation. Without proper management, the IPv4 block may become inefficient and difficult to maintain.
2. Minimizing or Managing Risks after Buying an IPv4 Block:
a) Due Diligence: Before purchasing an IPv4 block, thoroughly research and verify the reputation of the block and the seller. Ensure that the block is not associated with spamming, blacklisting, or other malicious activities. Conducting IP reputation checks and background investigations can help mitigate potential risks.
b) IP Address Monitoring: Regularly monitor the IP addresses in your block to identify any issues or anomalies. Utilize tools and services that track IP reputation, deliverability, and potential security threats. Timely detection of any problems allows for quick remediation to maintain the reputation of the IPv4 block.
c) IP Address Management (IPAM) Solutions: Implement an IPAM system or software to handle the allocation, tracking, and maintenance of the IPv4 block. IPAM solutions simplify management tasks, such as subnetting, IP address assignment, and network configuration. This ensures efficient utilization and ease of administration.
d) Professional Assistance: If you lack the expertise or resources to manage the IPv4 block internally, consider outsourcing the management to professionals. IPv4 brokers or specialized service providers can handle the technical aspects of routing, subnetting, and IP address allocation, relieving the burden on your organization.
e) IPv6 Transition Planning: While buying an IPv4 block may address immediate address shortage concerns, it is essential to develop a long-term IPv6 transition strategy. IPv6 provides a larger address space and is the future of Internet addressing. By gradually migrating to IPv6, you can mitigate the risks associated with IPv4 exhaustion in the long run.
By considering these measures, organizations can minimize the potential limitations and risks associated with buying an IPv4 block while maintaining a secure and well-managed IP address infrastructure.
IX. Legal and Ethical Considerations
1. Legal Responsibilities:
When deciding to buy an IPv4 block, it is important to consider the following legal responsibilities:
- Compliance with Regional Internet Registries (RIRs): RIRs are responsible for allocating IP address blocks. Ensure that you comply with their policies and procedures when purchasing an IPv4 block. Familiarize yourself with the rules and regulations set forth by the RIR in your region.
- Intellectual Property Rights: Ensure that you are not infringing upon any intellectual property rights when using the IPv4 block. Verify that the IP addresses and associated domain names are not trademarked or copyrighted by someone else.
- Contractual Obligations: Review any contracts or agreements related to the purchase of the IPv4 block. Understand the terms and conditions, including any restrictions or limitations on usage and transferability.
Ethical Considerations:
When buying an IPv4 block, it is important to consider the following ethical considerations:
- Fair Allocation: IPv4 addresses are a limited resource, and it is necessary to ensure fair allocation. Avoid hoarding or monopolizing IP addresses, and purchase only the amount you genuinely need for your network requirements.
- Environmental Impact: IPv4 addresses require physical infrastructure, such as servers and routers, which consume energy. Consider environmentally friendly practices and minimize waste by efficiently managing your IP address usage.
- Responsible Use: Use the IPv4 addresses for legitimate purposes and ensure that they are not being used for any illegal activities, such as spamming, hacking, or facilitating cybercrime. Regularly monitor and secure your network to prevent unauthorized use.
2. Ensuring Legal and Ethical Purchase of IPv4 Block:
- Research and Due Diligence: Conduct thorough research on the seller and the IPv4 block you intend to purchase. Verify the legitimacy of the seller, including their reputation, track record, and compliance with RIR policies.
- Consult with Legal Professionals: Seek advice from legal professionals who specialize in IP address transactions. They can guide you through the legal aspects and help ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
- Use Accredited Brokers: Consider using accredited IPv4 brokers who are experienced in facilitating legitimate and ethical IP address transactions. They can provide guidance, ensure compliance, and protect your interests throughout the purchase process.
- Document All Transactions: Keep detailed records of all transactions relating to the purchase of the IPv4 block. This includes contracts, agreements, invoices, and any communication exchanged with the seller. These records will be valuable in case of any legal disputes or audits.
- Ongoing Monitoring and Compliance: Continuously monitor and track the usage of the IPv4 block to ensure that it aligns with your initial intentions and complies with legal and ethical considerations. Regularly review and adapt your network infrastructure to optimize IP address usage.
By following these steps, you can ensure that you are purchasing an IPv4 block in a legal and ethical manner, minimizing the potential risks and liabilities associated with IP address transactions.
X. Maintenance and Optimization
1. Maintenance and Optimization Steps for Proxy Server after Buying IPv4 Block:
a. Regular Updates and Patches: Ensure that your proxy server is running on the latest version of the software. Regularly check for updates and security patches provided by the server software provider and apply them promptly.
b. Bandwidth Monitoring: Monitor the bandwidth usage of your proxy server to identify any abnormal or excessive traffic. This helps in detecting potential issues and preventing network congestion.
c. Log Analysis: Analyze the server logs to identify any unusual activities, such as unauthorized access attempts or excessive resource usage. This can help in identifying and mitigating potential security threats.
d. Load Balancing: Implement load balancing techniques to distribute the incoming traffic evenly across multiple proxy servers. This helps in optimizing the server performance and avoiding overload.
e. Caching: Configure caching on your proxy server to store frequently accessed web content locally. This minimizes the need to fetch the content from the internet, reducing latency and improving response times.
f. Security Measures: Implement appropriate security measures such as firewall rules, access controls, and encryption protocols to protect your proxy server and the network it resides on. Regularly update and review these measures to ensure optimal security.
2. Enhancing Speed and Reliability of Proxy Server after Buying IPv4 Block:
a. High-Quality Hardware: Invest in robust hardware that can handle the increased traffic and processing demands. This includes high-speed processors, ample RAM, and fast disk drives.
b. Network Optimization: Optimize your network infrastructure by ensuring sufficient bandwidth, minimizing network bottlenecks, and implementing network optimization techniques such as Quality of Service (QoS) settings.
c. Content Delivery Networks (CDNs): Consider integrating a CDN into your proxy server setup. CDNs cache content on servers distributed globally, reducing the distance that content needs to travel and enhancing speed and reliability.
d. DNS Resolution: Optimize DNS resolution by using a reliable and fast DNS server. This helps in reducing latency and improving the overall performance of your proxy server.
e. SSL Offloading: Implement SSL offloading, where the proxy server handles SSL/TLS encryption and decryption, relieving the backend servers from this resource-intensive task. This can significantly improve server performance and response times.
f. Redundancy and Failover: Implement redundancy and failover mechanisms to ensure high availability and reliability. This includes setting up multiple proxy servers with load balancing and failover capabilities to handle traffic in case of server failures.
By following these maintenance and optimization steps, and implementing the suggested enhancements, you can ensure that your proxy server runs optimally and provides a fast and reliable browsing experience for users.
XI. Real-World Use Cases
1. Real-world examples of how proxy servers are used in various industries or situations after someone has bought an IPv4 block:
a. E-commerce: An online retailer may use proxy servers to distribute traffic across different servers, ensuring efficient handling of online orders and preventing website downtime during peak shopping seasons.
b. Digital Marketing: Proxy servers can be used to gather market intelligence and conduct competitor analysis by collecting data from different locations and monitoring online trends.
c. Web Scraping: Proxy servers are commonly used in web scraping to collect data from websites on a large scale, without getting blocked or flagged for excessive requests.
d. Social Media Management: Proxy servers can be utilized to manage multiple social media accounts for marketing purposes, allowing businesses to connect with their target audience from various locations.
e. Content Localization: Proxy servers enable websites to deliver custom content based on the user's location, providing a personalized experience to visitors and helping businesses expand their global reach.
2. Notable case studies or success stories related to buy IPv4 block:
a. Netflix: To ensure smooth streaming for its global user base, Netflix leverages proxy servers strategically placed across different regions. This approach allows them to deliver customized content based on the user's location, resulting in a seamless streaming experience.
b. Airbnb: As a global online marketplace for lodging, Airbnb relies on proxy servers to collect and analyze data from various locations. This helps them understand market demand, optimize pricing strategies, and provide localized property recommendations to users.
c. E-commerce Giant: An e-commerce giant successfully managed high traffic loads during sales events by utilizing proxy servers. By distributing user requests across multiple servers and IP addresses, they ensured a stable and uninterrupted shopping experience, leading to increased sales and customer satisfaction.
d. Digital Advertisers: Digital advertisers often use proxy servers to create and manage multiple advertising accounts on platforms like Google Ads and Facebook Ads. This allows them to target specific regions and demographics, optimize ad performance, and avoid account suspension due to excessive requests.
These case studies highlight the practical applications and benefits of using proxy servers after purchasing an IPv4 block.
XII. Conclusion
1. People should learn the importance of considering buying an IPv4 block when they have a need for a large number of IP addresses. This guide highlights the reasons why one might choose to buy an IPv4 block, such as for expanding their business, increasing online presence, or conducting large-scale data analysis. It also provides information on the various types of IPv4 blocks available, including Class A, Class B, and Class C blocks.
Moreover, the guide emphasizes the role of an IPv4 block in providing businesses with a unique set of IP addresses that can be used to establish a secure and reliable online presence. It explains how an IPv4 block can help businesses avoid IP address exhaustion issues and ensure uninterrupted connectivity.
2. Once individuals or businesses have bought an IPv4 block, responsible and ethical use of the proxy server is essential. To ensure this, the following measures can be taken:
a. Compliance with legal regulations: It is crucial to adhere to the laws and regulations governing internet usage, privacy, and data protection. Users should familiarize themselves with the legal requirements related to proxy servers and ensure their operations are within the boundaries of the law.
b. Transparent disclosure: When using a proxy server, users should clearly disclose that they are utilizing such a service. This is particularly important when interacting with websites or platforms that may have specific policies or restrictions related to proxy usage.
c. Respect for others' privacy: Users should prioritize the privacy of others and refrain from engaging in activities that violate the privacy of individuals or organizations. It is essential to respect the terms and conditions set by websites, platforms, or services that are accessed through the proxy server.
d. Avoiding illegal activities: The responsible use of a proxy server involves refraining from any illegal activities, such as unauthorized access, hacking, or distributing copyrighted content without permission.
e. Regular monitoring and maintenance: Keeping a close eye on the proxy server's operations is crucial to identify and address any issues promptly. This includes monitoring for any suspicious activities, ensuring the server's security and stability, and updating software or settings as needed.
Overall, by following these guidelines, individuals can ensure the responsible and ethical use of a proxy server after buying an IPv4 block. This promotes a positive online environment and helps maintain trust and credibility with other internet users and businesses.
