Understanding How IP Tracking Actually Works in Practice

An IP (internet protocol) address is a set of processes that describe how data is shared across the internet. If you have ever been curious how one computer knows how to connect with another, you can thank IP addresses.

Any device that utilizes the web is going to be programmed to follow the internet protocol. With an IP address, different machines are able to communicate with one another.

If you run an online business and want to boost your marketing capabilities then you should consider utilizing IP tracking. What is IP tracking and how does it actually work in practice?

We’re glad you asked. Keep on reading and we will take you through everything that you will want to know about IP tracking.

How Are IP Addresses Tracked?

In order for two devices to connect with each other, they need to acknowledge each other. This is known as “shaking hands.” When a handshake takes place, the IP addresses are being tracked.

For example, imagine that you are attempting to visit a website. Your network will sound out an information packet that will include your IP address and your port number.

The server that hosts the site will then accept the packet. It will then learn what network is asking to access the site and it will know where to send back the response in the form of all of the data that makes up the site.

The site and the server that it is on now know that your IP address visited the site. Your ISP (internet service provider) will also have a record of the visit. In most instances, this is where the tracking ends.

A random person who is curious about your internet history will not be able to find out what sites you have visited just by knowing what your IP address is.

However, internet service providers keep records of IP activity. This gives them the ability to share that information with others.

Reasons to Track an IP Address

There are several reasons why it is helpful to track IP addresses. Tracking an IP address is very helpful for marketing.

Marketing software can track the location information of an IP address and provide that information to website owners. The site will know where the visitor is and this means that the site can more effectively market to that user.

Tracking IP addresses can also help with legal concerns and stopping scams.

Services like canddi.com can help with IP tracking.

The Importance of Knowing How IP Tracking Actually Works in Practice

Hopefully, after reading the above article you now understand how IP tracking actually works in practice. As we can see, it can be very helpful to both businesses and individuals.

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