How IP Geolocation Works
IP geolocation databases use allocation records and network ownership information.
Accuracy Levels
- Country: 99%+ accuracy
- Region/State: 95%+ accuracy
- City: 85-90% accuracy
- Coordinates: Within 5-15 miles typically
Limitations
- VPN connections hide real location
- Data center IPs less accurate
- Proxy servers distort results
- Database updates lag behind real changes
Data Sources
- WHOIS database records
- ISP routing information
- User reports and telemetry
- Mobile carrier databases
Conclusion
While useful, IP geolocation should never be your sole location verification method.