IP addresses are the backbone of device identification on the internet. However, their function goes beyond simply connecting to the network. Different IP addresses can serve various purposes, classified by their Usage Type. This classification helps internet providers, administrators, and businesses filter traffic, secure resources, and analyze user behavior. In this article, we’ll explore how to identify the Usage Type of an IP address and provide an overview of all 12 Usage Type categories.
What Is Usage Type?
Usage Type is a classification system that defines the purpose or usage context of an IP address. It helps to understand how and where a particular IP address is being used. This classification is widely employed in network management, cybersecurity, and traffic optimization.
The 12 Usage Type Categories
Residential
IP addresses assigned by internet service providers (ISPs) for home networks, typically used for internet access from personal devices.
Example: Dynamic IP addresses provided by ISPs like Comcast or Rostelecom.
Datacenter/Hosting
IP addresses used by servers in data centers for hosting websites, applications, and cloud services.
Example: Addresses from Amazon AWS, Google Cloud, or Microsoft Azure.
Commercial
Dedicated IP addresses belonging to companies for internal use or providing services.
Example: Corporate networks of banks or retailers.
Mobile
IP addresses provided by mobile operators for smartphones, tablets, and other mobile devices.
Example: 3G/4G IPs from Vodafone, Verizon, or Megafon.
Educational
IP addresses assigned to universities, schools, and other educational institutions.
Example: Networks of universities such as MIT or Moscow State University.
Government
Addresses owned by government institutions and used for official purposes.
Example: Websites of ministries or security services.
Unknown/Other
IP addresses with unclear or unclassified purposes. These may include new or rarely used addresses.
Example: New IPv6 addresses or small regional networks.
ISP
Used for intermediary connections between users and the internet, such as traffic routing.
Example: ISP networks like AT&T or Beeline.
Military
IP addresses allocated for military use.
Example: Army network addresses.
Library
Networks belonging to libraries for providing internet access.
Example: IPs in public or university libraries.
Healthcare
IP addresses used by hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare institutions.
Example: Networks for hospitals or telemedicine services.
Cloud
Dedicated IP addresses for virtual machines, data storage, and cloud platforms.
Example: Google Drive or Amazon S3 services.
How to Identify Usage Type
Several tools and methodologies can help determine the Usage Type of an IP address:
1. WHOIS Queries
WHOIS provides information about the owner of an IP address, including the registrar and organization.
- Tools: WHOIS Lookup, RIPE NCC, ARIN
- Advantages: Quick access to basic information
- Disadvantages: May not directly reveal Usage Type
2. IP Geolocation
Determines the region and owner of the IP address using geolocation databases.
- Tools: MaxMind GeoIP, IP2Location
- Advantages: Additional location information
- Disadvantages: Requires access to paid databases for high accuracy
3. Usage Type Databases
Some platforms offer ready-made classifications of IP addresses by Usage Type.
- Tools:
- IP2Location: Provides Usage Type classification
- MaxMind: Identifies connection type and Usage Type
- Advantages: Comprehensive information on IP type
- Disadvantages: Often requires a subscription
4. Behavioral Analysis of IP Addresses
Assesses the activity of an IP address, such as request frequency, data volume, and connection types.
- Methods:
- Analyzing web server logs
- Using IDS/IPS systems (e.g., Snort, Suricata)
- Advantages: Helps detect suspicious addresses
- Disadvantages: Requires complex setup
5. Firewalls and Filters
Modern firewalls (e.g., Palo Alto, Fortinet) include built-in mechanisms for classifying Usage Type.
- Advantages: Automated verification
- Disadvantages: High cost of such solutions
Example of the Identification Process
Let’s analyze the IP address 192.0.2.1 to identify its Usage Type:
-
Perform a WHOIS Check.
Result: The address belongs to a hosting provider. -
Use MaxMind.
Result: Usage Type = Datacenter/Hosting. -
Analyze Web Server Logs.
Result: Constant request traffic with low TTL — this indicates a server from a data center.
Conclusion
Identifying the Usage Type of an IP address is crucial for network management, analytics, and security. With modern tools and methodologies, it’s possible to accurately classify an IP address by its type, enabling better internet resource management and protection against threats. By combining WHOIS, database lookups, and behavioral analysis, administrators can effectively classify IP addresses into 12 categories, each with its own unique characteristics and applications.