How to Do a Reverse IP Lookup

Any computer in the network has a unique IP address that is four numbers between 0 and 255 separated with periods. Also computers are typically assigned with names, which allow network communications in a more convenient way. Translating computer or website names into respective IP addresses is a primary function of the domain name system (DNS), which is a part of the internet network protocol. DNS is also can handle reverse lookup queries namely finding names from IP addresses.

Instructions

in Linux

1. Right-click on the desktop and select "Open terminal" in the pop-up menu.

2. Type "host <IP address>" and press "Enter." For example,

   host 193.233.4.27

3. Read the output that typically consists of one line. The computer name is at the end of the line. For example,

   "27.4.233.193.in-addr.arpa domain name pointer xrlab.ineos.ac.ru"

   The computer name is xrlab.ineos.ac.ru.

in Windows

1. In Windows XP:

   Click "Start" located in the lower left corner of the screen. Click "Run" and type "cmd" followed by "Enter."

   In Windows Vista:

   Click "Start" and type "cmd." Press "Enter."

   A new window with the black background will appear.

2. Type "nslookup <IP address >" followed by pressing "Enter." For example,

   nslookup 193.233.4.27

3. Read the program output. The third line contains the name of the computer. For example,

   "Name: xrlab.ineos.ac.ru."

References

• TCP/IP Network Administration, Craig Hunt, 2002.