Geolocation is a method used to determine the physical location of a server or device connected to the internet. This process leverages the public IP addresses of the gateways used by these servers.
Unlike typical centralized VPNs that have precise knowledge of their server locations, NymVPN operates in a decentralized setup. As we cannot take the operators' declared locations at face value, this means that NymVPN uses a set of techniques, including IP geolocation, to define the location of its exit servers.
1. Public IP addresses
Each device or server connected to the internet has an IP address and this is used to route information to and from the device. Gateways, which act as nodes connecting different networks, also have public IP addresses that can be traced to a general geographic area
2. Geolocation databases
There are several organizations and services that maintain extensive databases mapping IP addresses to geographic locations. Two popular services are:
These databases are created and maintained using a variety of methods to ensure they provide the most accurate location data possible.
3. Sources of geolocation data
The geolocation of an IP address is determined using several sources:
- WHOIS Databases: These databases contain registered information about the IP address, including the organization to which the IP was assigned and its registered location.
- Internet Routing Tables (BGP Data): The Border Gateway Protocol (BGP) data helps in mapping the routes that internet traffic takes, providing clues about the physical location of the IP address.
- User-Submitted Information: Some geolocation services collect location data directly from users, which can help refine the accuracy of the IP-to-location mapping.
- GPS Data from Mobile Devices: In certain cases, GPS data from mobile devices can provide precise location information, which can then be used to enhance the accuracy of the geolocation databases.
4. Accuracy and limitations
While these methods provide a reasonable estimate of the location of an IP address, several factors can affect the accuracy:
- IP Reallocation: IP addresses are often reallocated to different devices or locations over time. This can lead to outdated or incorrect location data in geolocation databases.
- Varying Provider Data: Different geolocation providers might have slightly different data for the same IP address due to the varied sources and methods they use to collect and update their information.
- Dynamic IP Addresses: Some IP addresses change frequently, such as those assigned to mobile devices or through certain types of internet connections, adding another layer of complexity to maintaining accurate location data.
These limitations mean that while geolocation can provide a useful general indication of where an IP address is located, but is not always 100% accurate. NymVPN uses IP-geolocation techniques to derive server locations, which may sometimes lead to inaccuracies.