Understanding IP Routing Basics

IP routing determines the path packets take from source to destination across many independent networks.

Routers and prefixes

Routers forward traffic based on destination IP prefixes. Operators advertise these prefixes using BGP between ASNs.

Hops and latency

Each network hop can add latency. The geographic path is not always the shortest physical path on a map.

Relation to IPLocator tools

ASN and ISP lookup tools help identify which network announces or carries traffic for a given address.