Deconstructing DigPagerank

Posted by multippt

DigPagerank, a “new” pagerank checker to the scene, is actually unlike other pagerank checkers. Upon peeking its innards (of course, doing a little bit more than just “View Source”), I noticed a few things that actually make it stand out from other (older) pagerank checkers.
*Newer checkers seem to be of the same level as digpagerank, using both server and client side.

How DigPagerank actually works
Digpagerank first compiles a list of datacenters (which are hardwired into Digpagerank), and then uses a little AJAX [i.e. some sweet pieces of JavaScript] to call out to Google datacenters as if it were the Firefox Google toolbar. Of course, there is more behind-the-scenes work, like making a nice code that is specific for certain links. That’s why clicking on the “Stop” button won’t stop Digpagerank from doing its work. Of course, due to AJAX’s built in security, one cannot access external servers like Google Datacenters directly. How does it solve this problem? Well, it actually uses a special kind of proxy, known as a “transparent” proxy. This does not hide your IP address (i.e. the thing that identifies a computer), so it actually queries Google datacenters using your IP address (or an IP address that is close to it).

What about it?
Because of this, Digpagerank cannot be banned by Google via IP (because it means banning legitimate users which it does not want to do; unless it changes the alogarithm), and it complies with the Google TOS because it uses the exact same interface Google gives to its users (and sends the exact same information the Google toolbar sends). Then again, you would not feel very secure knowing that Digpagerank is using your IP address to query Google Datacenters 30 times at once…

Compared to other PageRank checkers, they usually use a proxy to access Google Datacenters. Of course, it is a matter of debate whether it actually is against the Google TOS (it is in the grey area). Of course, no one cares about PageRank anyway, or do they?

What’s with Pagerank checkers?
Ever since the Google alogarithm was found (sorry, you’ll have to find it on your own ;)), many Pagerank checkers were made with the intent to allow users who do not have access to the Google bar to view PageRank.

What does Digpagerank say about this?
Lie low. ;)

What does Google say about this?
Google may or may not bother about this. As long as it complies with the TOS, it is fine.

Hey where’s the real details?
I’m not releasing them because:
1) They are not under the GNU or Creative Commons license