The Next Generation IP Geolocation Service: Patented Precision from BigDataCloud

Updated: 29 July 2025

In the ever-evolving digital landscape, accurate IP geolocation is crucial for applications ranging from cybersecurity to personalised marketing. Building on our earlier exploration in "IP Geolocation Demystified", where we examined how IP geolocation works, the methodologies used by providers, and the limitations of existing technologies, BigDataCloud has pioneered a transformative approach.

After years of rigorous research and development, BigDataCloud is revolutionising the IP geolocation industry. Our services effectively overcome traditional challenges, delivering unparalleled precision and reliability. This update incorporates our latest advancements, including the granting of US Patent No. 11,792,110 B2 (publication US20210234790A1), which recognises the innovation behind our technology.

How BigDataCloud Stands Apart from Traditional IP Geolocation Services

Traditional IP geolocation providers often rely on outdated databases, user-submitted data, or simplistic heuristics, resulting in imprecise, stale, and error-prone location estimates. As highlighted in our previous article, these shortcomings can lead to significant issues, such as misdirected content, failed fraud detection, and suboptimal user experiences.

At BigDataCloud, we've analysed these pitfalls and reimagined the entire process. By leveraging cutting-edge network analysis and real-time data, we've developed a more accurate, efficient, and transparent solution. Below, we explore the core technologies driving our next-generation IP geolocation service, now protected under US Patent No. 11,792,110 B2.

Understanding the Core Technology: A Postal Analogy for Internet Routing

The internet functions as a packet-switched, hierarchical network, much like global parcel delivery systems. When a device connects online to communicate—say, accessing a website—it sends data packets to the destination. If directly connected, the packet arrives immediately. More commonly, however, packets are routed through a series of network routers that ensure worldwide connectivity.

Consider this analogy: Sending a parcel from Norwood, South Australia, to Denver, Colorado, USA. The parcel starts at the local Norwood post office. If the destination isn't local, it's forwarded to a regional hub in Adelaide, South Australia's capital. From there, if no direct international route exists, it might go to Sydney, New South Wales, for overseas dispatch. Upon reaching the USA, it's routed through hubs until it arrives at the Denver post office for final delivery.

This mirrors the internet: Autonomous Systems (AS) act like countries or states, routers like postal hubs. Types include:

• Access or Aggregation routers: Deliver directly to end-users.
• Core routers: Route traffic within an AS.
• Edge or Border routers: Manage traffic between ASes.
• Multifunctional routers: Handle multiple functions.

ASes connect via dynamic policies governed by the Border Gateway Protocol (BGP), which adapts to network changes for optimal routing.

By applying this logic, accurate IP geolocation becomes possible if we can:

• Identify and categorise all publicly accessible routers.
• Determine each router's service area.
• Identify the final router for every IP address.
• Estimate the IP's location based on the nearest router and its service area.

This patented methodology (US Patent No. 11,792,110 B2) enables BigDataCloud to provide superior accuracy compared to legacy systems.

BigDataCloud's Patented Process: How It Works Step by Step

Our innovative, non-intrusive approach uncovers the internet's routing fabric to deliver precise geolocation data. Here's a detailed breakdown of our patented technology (US Patent No. 11,792,110 B2, publication US20210234790A1):

• Non-intrusive Discovery: We systematically map the entire routable IP address space, identifying all public routing paths worldwide without disrupting networks.
• Router Interface Classification: Every detected global router interface is recorded and categorised based on its role (e.g., access, core, edge), providing a comprehensive view of the network hierarchy.
• Service Area Estimation: Using a curated set of IP addresses with verified geolocations—known as ground truth data—we calculate the actual coverage area for each router interface. This involves advanced algorithms that account for network topology and real-world usage patterns.
• Precise Location Prediction: For any given IP address, we identify the nearest router interface and leverage its service area to predict the location. This results in granular accuracy, often down to city or suburb level.
• Accuracy Metrics and Transparency: Uniquely, we provide an active region indicator, detailing the likely operational area of an IP address based on the most recent network data and ground truth. This transparency empowers users to assess confidence levels, a feature absent in most competitors.

Our system continuously updates to reflect network changes, ensuring data remains current in a dynamic digital environment.

Advantages Over Conventional IP Geolocation Methods

Legacy providers often use WHOIS data, user registries, or crowdsourced inputs, which are prone to inaccuracies and delays. In contrast, BigDataCloud's router-centric approach offers:

• Superior Precision: Locations are derived from actual network structure, reducing errors.
• Real-Time Relevance: Frequent scans capture BGP updates and infrastructure shifts.
• Global Coverage: Comprehensive mapping of all routable IPs, including IPv6.
• Enhanced Security: Ideal for fraud detection, as it detects anomalies in IP origins.
• Scalability: Handles high-volume queries efficiently for enterprise needs.

Independent tests show our service outperforming others in accuracy benchmarks, particularly in challenging regions like rural areas or emerging markets.

Real-World Applications and Benefits

BigDataCloud's next-generation IP geolocation powers diverse industries:

• E-commerce: Personalise content and pricing based on user location, improving conversion rates.
• Cybersecurity: Detect VPNs, proxies, or suspicious geoshifts to prevent fraud.
• Content Delivery: Optimise routing for faster load times and compliance with regional regulations (e.g., GDPR).
• Logistics and IoT: Track assets accurately for supply chain efficiency.
• Marketing: Target ads geographically without invasive tracking.

For example, a financial institution using our service reduced false positives in fraud alerts by 40%, while an online retailer saw a 25% uplift in engagement through location-tailored promotions.

Experience the Future of IP Geolocation

BigDataCloud is at the forefront of IP geolocation innovation, backed by our patented technology. Whether you're a developer, business owner, or security professional, our APIs provide easy integration and reliable results.

Sign up for a free account today and explore our getting started guide. For more on our patent and milestones, check our blog on the US patent achievement.

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