A new command-line tool leverages network latency to geolocate IP addresses, inspired by the methods used by ipinfo. The tool, built using Globalping, determines an IP's location by pinging from different probes across continents and then refining the search by country and state. This approach offers a novel way to bypass the limitations of traditional geolocation methods.

This method is particularly relevant because traditional geo-IP databases can be inaccurate, especially for VPN users. By measuring latency, the tool can accurately pinpoint the physical location of an IP address. The creator used traceroute to measure latency and found it more reliable than ICMP or TCP-based pings, which are often blocked.

The tool's creator found Globalping's network of over 3000 probes sufficient for accurate geolocation, even down to the city level. Initially, continent detection used just five probes per continent, yielding accurate results. This highlights the potential of using latency as a primary method for IP geolocation.

The open-source tool is available on GitHub and demonstrates an accessible way to determine IP geolocation. Future enhancements could include combining different methods and analyzing more hops for enhanced accuracy. The project emphasizes the power of community-driven, open-source initiatives in providing practical solutions for network analysis.