My IP Detector
Discover your real IP network addresses and location
Privacy Note: This tool shows information that websites can see when you visit them. No data is stored on our servers.
IPv4 Address
IPv6 Address
Geolocation Map
Network Information
ISP:
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Organization:
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Location:
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Timezone:
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Security Analysis
Understanding IP Addresses
IPv4 vs IPv6
- IPv4 uses 32-bit addresses (e.g., 192.168.1.1)
- IPv6 uses 128-bit addresses (e.g., 2001:0db8:85a3::8a2e:0370:7334)
- Most networks support both protocols
Privacy Tips
- Use VPNs to hide your real IP
- Enable "HTTPS Everywhere" in browsers
- Regularly clear cookies and cache
Essential IP Security Tools
VPN Services
Virtual Private Networks mask your real IP address, encrypting your connection to protect your online identity.
- Prevents ISP tracking
- Secures public Wi-Fi connections
- Bypasses geo-restrictions
Firewall Protection
A robust firewall monitors incoming and outgoing network traffic based on predetermined security rules.
- Blocks unauthorized access
- Prevents malware infections
- Controls application network access
IP Address Technology Deep Dive
How CIDR Notation Works
CIDR (Classless Inter-Domain Routing) notation expresses IP ranges efficiently. For example, 192.168.1.0/24 represents all 256 IP addresses from 192.168.1.0 to 192.168.1.255.
Public vs. Private IP Addresses
Public IPs are internet-routable addresses assigned by your ISP. Private IPs (like 192.168.x.x) are for local networks only and cannot be accessed directly from the internet.
IP Address Allocation History
IPv4 addresses were originally allocated in large blocks to organizations, leading to inefficient use. This scarcity accelerated the development of IPv6, which provides approximately 340 undecillion unique addresses.
Why Your IP Address Matters
Online Identity
Your IP address serves as your digital fingerprint online. Websites use it to identify, track, and sometimes even restrict access to their content based on geographic location.
Security Implications
Exposing your IP address can lead to targeted cyber attacks, including DDoS attacks, where attackers overwhelm your connection with traffic, or even attempts to penetrate your network defenses.
Legal Considerations
In many jurisdictions, IP addresses are considered personal data and are protected under privacy laws like GDPR in Europe and CCPA in California. Companies must handle this information responsibly.
IP Troubleshooting Guide
Connectivity Issues
Symptom: Unable to connect to internet
Solution: Check if your IP configuration is set to "Automatic" (DHCP). Try releasing and renewing your IP address through your operating system's network settings.
IP Conflicts
Symptom: Intermittent connection drops
Solution: Multiple devices might be using the same IP address on your network. Restart your router or set static IPs for your devices.
Website Geo-Restrictions
Symptom: "This content is not available in your region"
Solution: Your IP reveals your geographic location. Use a reputable VPN service to appear as if browsing from a different location.
Understanding IP Geolocation
IP geolocation is the process of determining a user's physical location based on their IP address. This technology works by referencing databases that map IP addresses to geographic coordinates.
How Geolocation Works
IP geolocation databases are compiled using various methods:
- Data from Regional Internet Registries (RIRs)
- ISP infrastructure information
- Latency measurements
- User-submitted information
Geolocation Limitations
While typically accurate to the city level, IP geolocation has several limitations:
- Mobile connections may show the location of the carrier's server
- Corporate networks often show headquarters location
- VPNs and proxies completely mask true location
IPv4 vs IPv6: Complete Comparison
| Feature | IPv4 | IPv6 |
|---|---|---|
| Address Format | 32-bit (4 bytes) | 128-bit (16 bytes) |
| Notation | Decimal with dots (192.168.1.1) | Hexadecimal with colons (2001:0db8::1428:57ab) |
| Total Addresses | ~4.3 billion | 340 undecillion (3.4×10^38) |
| Network Security | Security added later with IPsec | Built-in IPsec security |
| Configuration | Manual or DHCP | Stateless autoconfiguration |
| Current Adoption | Almost universal | Growing (~40% worldwide) |
Further Learning Resources
Books & Guides
- "Understanding IP Addressing" by ARIN
- "TCP/IP Illustrated" by W. Richard Stevens
- "IPv6 Essentials" by Silvia Hagen
Online Courses & Tools
- Cisco Networking Academy
- RIPE Network Coordination Centre
- IP Subnet Calculator
Frequently Asked Questions
Why can't I see my IPv6 address?
Your Internet Service Provider may not have enabled IPv6 yet, or you might be behind a network that doesn't support it. About 30% of networks worldwide still use IPv4 exclusively.
How accurate is the geolocation?
IP-based geolocation is typically accurate to the city level (within 5-10km in urban areas). For privacy reasons, it doesn't show your exact physical address.
Should I be worried if VPN is detected?
Not necessarily. VPNs enhance privacy but some websites may restrict access through known VPN IPs. If you're not using a VPN but see this warning, your connection might be compromised.