IP address geolocation is the technique of finding the geographical location of an internet user by using the IP address of the user’s computer or mobile device.
IP address geolocation is an essential resource for firms that rely on the insights supplied by identifying where the users are from.
Here is an article on how the IP address works, its function, and its uses. Also know: How to check IP address details
ABOUT IP ADDRESS
An Internet Protocol address, or IP address in short, is a unique numerical code that is used to identify a device on the network. Internet Service Providers (ISPs) commonly assign IP addresses when a device is connected to the Internet. Every ISP assigns a range of IP addresses to customers connecting to the internet in a specific region.
Businesses can discover unique information about a person, such as their location, demographics, connection type, and proxies, by looking at their IP address.
HOW DOES IT WORK?
An internet user’s IP address is linked with a webpage using a coding script to view it from their PC or mobile device.
IP address geolocation then makes use of IP-to-location databases to find out the IP range of the provided IP address belongs to.
With this information, you can ascertain the region in which the IP range is being used. It provides you with an approximate idea of the user’s location.
A user’s location, including their country, state, and city, can be identified with the help of this information. However, IP address geolocation can never be completely accurate because ISPs sometimes shuffle IPs among a few users inside a particular area.
THE PRECISION OF IP ADDRESS GEOLOCATION
The client’s capacity to use the service determines the accuracy of the IP address geolocation. While some services can only find an IP address within a specific country, others may find an IP address within a few kilometers of its exact location.
Digital Element’s NetAcuity can follow an IP with a 99.99% accuracy rate at the national level, 98%+ at the local level, and 97%+ at the city level—globally. Thus, NetAcuity is the best choice if you are willing to geotarget a ZIP+4 area or the entire nation.
NetAcuity also respects user privacy by not collecting or displaying any personally identifiable data about them.
THE USES OF IP ADDRESS GEOLOCATION
A company can view a user’s IP address when the user is connected to their website. The IP address gives the company access to crucial details like the user’s location, demographic information, the type of connection, proxies, and more, as was previously indicated.
These data are helpful to a large number of industries because they enable businesses to manage digital rights, avoid online fraud, localize content, target advertising, improve analytics, and perform other useful tasks.
In conclusion, IP address geolocation can help organizations and services improve user experience and adopt location-based services.
It’s important to understand its drawbacks and the necessity of using geolocation data to protect user privacy morally and responsibly.
