Internet and networking tools

Internet and networking tools query the systems that make the internet work and report what they find, turning abstract network behaviour into readable information. They rely on the fact that the internet is built from open, standard protocols: any machine can ask a registry who owns a domain, ask the name system for the address behind a host name, or send a probe to see whether a distant computer responds. These tools simply package those standard requests behind a convenient interface, and many run inside a web browser.

Several tools concern reachability and routing. Ping sends a probe to a host and reports whether it answers and how long the round trip takes, while traceroute lists the routers a packet passes through on its way to the destination. Others concern identity: whois consults public registries to show who registered a domain or controls a block of addresses, and DNS lookup tools convert between host names and the numeric IP addresses that computers use to find one another.

A distinctive category estimates the geographical location of an IP address. Because blocks of addresses are allocated to organisations and internet providers in known regions, databases can map an address to an approximate country, region or city. This geolocation is useful for tailoring content, analysing where visitors come from and investigating abuse, but it is only an estimate: it identifies the network rather than the exact person, and techniques such as proxies or VPNs can place a user far from their apparent location. Many of these utilities are available without charge.

Frequently asked questions

How can a website estimate where an IP address is?

Blocks of addresses are assigned to organisations and providers in known regions. Databases map an address to that allocation, giving an approximate country, region or city.

Is IP geolocation exact?

No. It locates the network, not the individual, and is only an estimate. Proxies and VPNs can make a user appear to be somewhere other than their real location.

What does whois tell you?

It consults public registries to show registration details for a domain name or a block of IP addresses, such as the responsible organisation and contact information.