Trace An IP Address
An IP address refers to the internet protocol address assigned to a computer that is connected to the internet. This means that when you go online, the computer you’re using is instantly given an IP address. It acts as the identification number for your computer. For a specific router, all the computers linked to that network carry the same IP address.
An IP address is represented by four sets of numbers separated by periods or what are also known as the dotted-quad. Each set may consist of just one or more numbers starting from zero up to 255. These numbers are used by devices such as routers, computers, servers, fax machines, printers and telephones in communicating with each other on a network. The numbers are normally assigned to internet service providers in specific regions. For this reason, using an IP address to trace a web user’s location such as the region or country where he or she lives is indeed possible.
In sending information through the internet, an IP address is crucial. Without it, there will be no such thing as networking. It is just the same as sending regular mail which requires one’s address to be written on the envelope in order for the mail to reach the intended receiver. So each time you connect to the internet to send emails, take part in forums, access your online accounts or use instant messengers, your IP address is recorded by the network that gets your communication requests.
By tracing an IP address, a person will be able to know the internet service provider (ISP) of the user. The ISP can be the company of the user or a major ISP such as Comcast or ATT. A web user’s estimated physical location may also be determined but unfortunately, the real name of the person will be impossible to obtain. The user’s real identity can only be released by the ISP if a court order is issued.
Now in tracing an IP address from an email, the first step is to check the headers of the message by going to the details or properties function of the email program. If it’s Yahoo, click the full headers located on the upper right hand corner of the message. For Hotmail, choose the mail display settings and then set the message headers to advanced or full. For Outlook Express, click properties from the file menu or do the shortcut by pressing ALT and enter.
Once you’ve retrieved the IP number, look for a website with IP locator tools that will help you obtain more information about the IP address you’re searching. Some sites you can use are the IP2Location, GeoBytes IPLocator and Whois Database Search. Usually, there’s a form on the site where you can type in the IP number and then click the submit button to get more details. Some IP locators provide the internet service provider’s name and even their registration. In this case, you have every chance to get in touch with the ISP and perhaps ask for more information about the specific IP address you’re looking up.
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