Geolocation and Starlink
3 hours ago
- #Starlink
- #Internet Measurement
- #Geolocation
- Geolocation on the Internet is complex due to the lack of a geographic address plan in IP addresses.
- IP-to-location databases face challenges in representing locations, defining countries, and maintaining accuracy.
- Geolocation data is used for cybersecurity, enforcing intellectual property rights, and statistical reporting.
- Regional Internet Registries (RIRs) provide country codes but do not track where IP addresses are actually used.
- APNIC Labs uses ad impression data and geolocation databases to estimate ISP market share and competition.
- Assumptions in APNIC's methodology include uniform ad distribution and single ISP usage per user, leading to uncertainties.
- Starlink's geolocation data shows anomalies, such as over-representation in countries like Yemen, likely due to maritime use or cross-border usage.
- Satellite services like Starlink challenge traditional geolocation methods, especially for mobile users (e.g., ships, aircraft).
- APNIC Labs has reclassified Starlink data for 20 countries as 'unclassified' to avoid distorting national measurements.
- The rise of satellite services raises questions about the purpose and methods of IP geolocation.