PowerTunnel

PowerTunnel: An Extensible Proxy Server for Censorship Bypass and More

PowerTunnel is an advanced and extensible proxy server application that has gained significant attention, particularly for its ability to bypass digital censorship. Built on top of LittleProxy, PowerTunnel does not require root access to operate, making it a versatile tool for various use cases.

One of the most notable features of PowerTunnel is its Android version, which leverages the incredible NetGuard's VPN Server to intercept traffic and direct it through the local PowerTunnel proxy. This setup allows users to extend its functionality through an SDK, enabling them to handle even encrypted HTTPS traffic, powered by LittleProxy-MITM. This capability is especially useful for web developers and anyone looking to customize their proxy settings.

Originally developed as a censorship bypass tool, PowerTunnel has evolved into a more comprehensive solution. Its anti-censorship module, known as LibertyTunnel, is installed by default and works by creating a local proxy server on the user's device. This proxy server modifies HTTP(S) traffic in a way that exploits bugs in DPI (Deep Packet Inspection) systems, effectively bypassing locks without significantly slowing down the internet connection. This makes PowerTunnel an active DPI circumvention utility that operates solely on the user's device, without routing traffic through third-party web servers.

PowerTunnel's DPI circumvention can be configured through the LibertyTunnel settings, accessible via the Plugins window. Additionally, users can configure DNS settings by tapping on the gear icon opposite the DNS plugin, allowing them to choose between pre-installed Google and Cloudflare DNS (DoH) providers or add their own.

While PowerTunnel is particularly known for its censorship bypass capabilities, it offers much more. Its extensible nature allows developers to write plugins that can work on almost all devices, making it a versatile tool for various purposes. The application can be downloaded from its Releases page, or users can build it from source using Android Studio if they prefer. It is also available on F-Droid via the IzzyOnDroid repo.

For those who wish to use PowerTunnel only with specific apps, they can change the mode from VPN to Proxy in the PowerTunnel settings and configure the app manually to route its traffic via the proxy server. The VPN mode is supported on Android 5 Lollipop and higher, providing compatibility with a wide range of devices.

In conclusion, PowerTunnel is a powerful and extensible proxy server that offers more than just censorship bypass. Its ability to handle encrypted HTTPS traffic, support for plugins, and compatibility with a wide range of devices make it a valuable tool for web developers, privacy advocates, and anyone looking to customize their internet experience. With its intuitive configuration options and support for both VPN and Proxy modes, PowerTunnel stands out as a versatile and effective solution for various use cases.