Understanding IP Addresses & Geolocation

What IPs and ASNs reveal, how location databases work, and why they sometimes get it wrong.

IP & ASN Basics

Your IP is your network address on the internet. ASNs identify the organization routing your traffic (ISP, cloud provider, or enterprise).

How Geolocation Works

Vendors map IP blocks to regions based on registrations and observations. Databases update over time—mismatches are common after reassignments.

TL;DR

  • What is an IP Address? Your device’s mailing address on the internet.
  • What is IP Geolocation? A best-effort estimate of your real-world location from your IP.
  • Accuracy: Good for country/city; it cannot reveal your exact street address.

What is an IP Address? (The Internet’s Mailing System)

An IP address routes traffic to and from your device. Think of it like a mailing address: senders need it to deliver data to you. Networks also use ASNs to identify who operates the network (an ISP, cloud, or enterprise).

How Does IP Geolocation Work?

Geolocation providers map IP blocks to regions using public registrations and observed routing. Results are estimates and change as IPs are reassigned. After reallocations, databases may be outdated, causing mismatches.

How Accurate is My IP Location? (What It Can and Can’t Reveal)

What it CAN reveal

  • Country and City
  • State/Province (often)
  • Your ISP or network operator (ASN)

What it CAN’T reveal

  • Your exact home address
  • Your name or personal identity
  • Precise GPS-level coordinates

How to Control Your Digital Location

Proxies let you browse the internet using an IP address in another region, effectively changing your visible location to websites. This helps with bypassing geo‑restrictions and improving privacy.

Hide Your IP & Change Your Location Now

Check what your IP shows: What’s My IP

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between an IP address and a MAC address?

IP routes traffic across networks; MAC identifies the network interface on local segments. MAC doesn’t travel across the internet.

Is changing or hiding my IP address legal?

Typically legal for legitimate use. Always comply with local laws and website terms.

Can my ISP see my real IP address?

Yes. Your ISP assigns it. Proxies or VPNs change the IP that websites see, not what your ISP sees.