Determine the Location of Servers and Domains - the IP Address

Every communication over the Internet involves a variety of different servers and gateways. Structurally, it is decentralised and consists of a global network of computers that constantly try to determine the optimal path from their location to the destination of a request.

In some cases, it is helpful to locate the position of a server as accurately as possible - for example, to verify a potential fake shop. In web hosting, it is important because the location of a server in connection with a domain is a crucial ranking criterion, especially for Google. The location also plays a key role in displaying regional results, thus influencing the outcome of a search more strongly than any other ranking criterion. Additionally, monitoring a server's downtime can be done through server monitoring.

Can the location of a server be determined unequivocally?

The good news for consumers and the bad news for potential or active fraudsters is that - to use a popular saying - "everything on the internet leaves a trace". In connection with the location of a server, this means that every request generates an exact set of directions to the server's location. This happens in two stages: the domain address definitively identifies the responsible server, and then its location can be determined to, for example, verify a possible fake shop or fraudulent URL. In some cases, the information is so precise that a specific address is provided - but in any case, it is possible to narrow down the location to a regional area or locate the nearest node.

Does a domain address provide information about the real location?

A domain address is nothing more than a code that is easily readable for humans, behind which digital information is hidden. Both on the internet and in local LAN networks, IT structures do not internally use names, but convert them into decimal or hexadecimal IP addresses. Unlike a URL, these addresses do not initially have a direct reference to their alleged or actual location. However, a domain name can be hosted on any server regardless of its local extension such as .de or .eu - a fact that a fake shop often takes advantage of. Furthermore, search engines like Google locate IP addresses and consider a match with a country-specific domain as an important ranking criterion.

Which tools can locate the location of a server?

There are several ways to determine the location of a computer connected to the internet. They allow locating each of them with a relatively accurate position - regardless of whether it is a private user (client), a fake shop, a web server, or a company. One of the most common methods is locating via the unique and individual IP address assigned to each computer. IP addresses are allocated in blocks to providers such as Internet Service Providers, whose location is naturally known at least nationally - often regionally as well. Certain address ranges can usually be assigned to a region as a result. For example, Google uses this fact to locate visitors and display local content.

The information includes the number of nodes, the time to establish a connection (Server Response Time - SRT), as well as the IP address and in some cases the domain address. Based on this information, for example, a fake shop can be easily identified with a location other than the one officially stated.

Which services use locating an IP address?

Search engines like Google heavily rely on the location of a computer and servers to determine relevant results. Firstly, a match between a national domain extension such as .de, .at, or .fr with the physical server location is a positive ranking criterion. Additionally, users are provided with local information by pinpointing their position. A simple search for services strongly favours providers in the same area, giving them priority over almost any other ranking criterion. This is also evident in news portals like Google News, which identify users based on their IP address and preferentially provide regional or at least country-specific information. The location can also determine the preferred language of a website. Therefore, global corporations locate visitors and redirect them to the corresponding presence in their country.

Photo: jamoluk |pixabay.com