Tracing an IP address

[SaltyDuke]

didn't really know where to put this question...

i've been looking thru the log files on my web server and found a certain IP address keeps popping up.

i'd like to know if there is a way of tracing this IP address back to the owner without typing the it into my browser (i don't want whoever it is to know that i know that they know about me ;-))

any help would be greatly appreciated

thanx in advance
TheSaltyDuke

 

[sleipnir214]

Reverse DNS might have the name of the server, but it's by no means guaranteed.

You can find out who leases the netblock of the IP address in question by performing a whois query against whois.arin.net. If the address is used by an organization based outside the US, ARIN's whois may send you to one of its counterparts. ______________________________________________________________________
TANSTAAFL!

 

[dankelt]

I use a little program called NeoTrace. It is basically a GUI traceroute that gives you all kinds of other info. Like WhoIs, Network, DNS...

I believe NetTrace is now called McAfee Visual Trace. I haven't used it, the version I like is 2.12a

You can get it here:

http://clio.tucows.com/adnload/dlneo.html

 

[SgtBeavis]

Even with his IP you might not be able to track him. He might be behind a proxy which means you'll only get back to the proxy server. This is the case with all AOL users. You would have to be able to get into the IP log on the proxy server to get the info you want. Let's say he's on a cable modem, you very well could get his host name but unless you work for the ISP, that name might very well be useless to you (though you'll very likely find out what town he's in). Point is, it can get complicated.

 

[adamf]

You can use VisualRoute at

http://visualroute.visualware.co.uk

to do a tracert. This app traces the destination IP address from the Visualroute server in Richmond, so it is untraceable back to you.

Quite a neat little app, I think!! Adam F
Solaris System Administrator

 

[SaltyDuke]

thanx everyone, your help was invaluable!!!