Question 1

What is an IP address?

Accepted Answer

An IP (Internet Protocol) address is a unique numerical label assigned to every device connected to the internet or a local network. It serves two main purposes: identifying the host device and providing its network location so data can be routed correctly. There are two versions in active use — IPv4 (e.g. 192.168.1.1) and IPv6 (e.g. 2001:0db8::1).

Question 2

What is the difference between IPv4 and IPv6?

Accepted Answer

IPv4 uses 32-bit addresses allowing about 4.3 billion unique addresses. IPv6 uses 128-bit addresses supporting a practically unlimited number. Most modern networks support both (dual-stack).

Question 3

What is the difference between a public and a private IP address?

Accepted Answer

A public IP is assigned by your ISP and visible to the outside world. A private IP (e.g. 192.168.x.x) is used within your local network only. Your router uses NAT to let multiple devices share a single public IP.

Question 4

What is an ASN (Autonomous System Number)?

Accepted Answer

An ASN is a unique identifier assigned to a network operated by a single organisation — typically an ISP, university, or large tech company. ASNs are used by BGP to route traffic between networks on the internet.

Question 5

What is a reverse DNS lookup?

Accepted Answer

Reverse DNS maps an IP address back to a hostname. For example, 8.8.8.8 resolves to dns.google. It is commonly used in email authentication and server identification.

Question 6

How accurate is IP geolocation?

Accepted Answer

Country-level accuracy is around 99%. City-level is 80–90%, typically within 25–50 miles. Street-level precision is not possible with IP geolocation alone.

Question 7

Why does my IP address show the wrong city or location?

Accepted Answer

Your ISP may route traffic through a central hub in a different city. You may be behind a VPN or corporate proxy. Mobile IPs are often registered to the carrier headquarters rather than your actual location.

Question 8

What is an IP blacklist?

Accepted Answer

An IP blacklist (DNSBL) is a database of IPs known to send spam or engage in abusive activity. Email servers and firewalls query these lists to block or flag traffic. Popular lists include Spamhaus, Barracuda, SpamCop, and SORBS.

Question 9

Why is my IP address blacklisted?

Accepted Answer

Your IP may have sent spam, been part of a botnet, or inherited a bad reputation from a previous user of a dynamic IP. Shared hosting IPs can be listed due to the actions of other tenants.

Question 10

How do I remove my IP from a blacklist?

Accepted Answer

Each list has its own delisting process. Spamhaus requires resolving the root cause before submitting a removal request. SpamCop listings expire automatically after 24 hours. Always fix the underlying issue before requesting delisting.

Question 11

What is a VPN and how does it affect my IP address?

Accepted Answer

A VPN encrypts your traffic and routes it through a server elsewhere. Websites see the VPN server's IP instead of your real IP. A VPN does not make you fully anonymous — your VPN provider can still see your activity.

Question 12

What is a WebRTC IP leak?

Accepted Answer

WebRTC is a browser technology that can expose your real IP even when using a VPN, because it queries network interfaces directly, bypassing the VPN tunnel. LookMyIP detects this automatically and warns you if a discrepancy is found.

IP Address Knowledge Base

IP Address Basics

IP Geolocation

IP Blacklists

VPN & Privacy