IP to ISP lookup

Find the Internet Service Provider (ISP) of any IPv4 and IPv6 address with this online ISP lookup tool.

Or try your IP: 18.97.9.172
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What is IP to ISP Lookup?

Have you ever wondered who provides internet connectivity to a particular IP address? With our online IP to ISP lookup tool, you can easily find out which Internet Service Provider (ISP) is connected to any IPv4 or IPv6 address.

Whether you're curious about your own IP or want to gather information for various purposes, this tool offers a convenient way to unveil the ISP behind an IP address.

What is an IP Address?

Before diving into the world of ISPs, let's understand what an IP address is. IP stands for Internet Protocol, which is a set of rules that allows devices to communicate with each other over the internet.

An IP address acts as a unique identifier for any device connected to a network, enabling data packets to be routed accurately.

IPv4 vs IPv6

There are two versions of IP addresses: IPv4 and IPv6. IPv4, the older version, consists of a 32-bit address expressed in four sets of numbers ranging from 0 to 255, separated by periods (e.g., 192.168.0.1).

However, due to the increasing number of devices connecting to the internet, IPv4 addresses have become scarce. To address this issue, IPv6 was introduced. IPv6 uses a 128-bit address expressed in eight sets of hexadecimal numbers separated by colons (e.g., 2001:0db8:85a3:0000:0000:8a2e:0370:7334). It provides a virtually limitless supply of unique addresses, ensuring the continued growth of the internet.

Public vs Private IPs

IP addresses can be classified as either public or private. Public IP addresses are assigned to devices directly connected to the internet, allowing them to communicate with other devices across the globe.

On the other hand, private IP addresses are used within local networks, such as your home or office. Private IP addresses are not directly accessible from the internet and are commonly used to create local networks that share a single public IP address.

What is an ISP?

ISP stands for Internet Service Provider, and as the name suggests, it refers to companies or organizations that offer internet access to customers. ISPs play a crucial role in connecting individuals, businesses, and other entities to the vast network of networks we call the internet.

ISPs in the Context of Public IP Addresses

In the context of IP to ISP lookup, we are particularly interested in ISPs associated with public IP addresses. Public IP addresses are the ones visible to the internet and allow devices to communicate with other devices across the globe.

When you connect to the internet through an ISP, they assign you a public IP address that serves as your online identity, enabling you to access websites, send emails, stream videos, and perform various online activities.

How are IPs mapped to ISPs?

The process of assigning IP addresses and managing their allocation is overseen by two main entities: the Internet Assigned Numbers Authority (IANA) and the Regional Internet Registries (RIRs). IANA is responsible for the overall coordination of IP addresses globally, while the RIRs handle IP address allocation within specific regions.

Public IP Ranges

IP addresses are allocated in blocks known as IP ranges. These ranges can be bought and sold, allowing ISPs to acquire the necessary IP resources to provide internet connectivity to their customers. When an ISP obtains a range of IP addresses, they are responsible for managing and assigning those addresses to their subscribers.