Where is a website hosted?
Every website is stored on a server, which is a computer in a data center. That server is run by a company called a web host (or hosting provider). Well-known hosts include GoDaddy, Bluehost, Amazon, Google, Microsoft and Hetzner, and in Switzerland, for example, Hostpoint, Infomaniak or Swisscom.
For every website, NetScanner shows you:
- Hosted by: the company that runs the server, with its logo
- Location: the country the server is in, with a map
- IP address: the server’s “street address” on the internet
When is this useful?
You are looking for your web host. Someone else set up the website years ago and nobody remembers where it is hosted? NetScanner finds the provider in seconds, so you know who to contact.
You want to know where your data is stored. For many businesses it matters that customer data is stored in their own country or in Europe. The location gives you a first clue.
You are comparing providers. Where are your competitors hosted? The answer can help you choose your own hosting.
You received a suspicious email. Check the website behind a link before you click it. If it is hosted by an unknown provider abroad and the domain is only a few days old, be careful. You can see how old a domain is in the domain owner lookup.
Good to know: protection services like Cloudflare
Many websites use a service like Cloudflare that blocks attacks and makes the website faster. This service stands in front of the actual server like a bouncer. So from the outside, you only see the bouncer. NetScanner detects this and lets you know.
For pros
Under “Technical details for pros” you will also find the reverse DNS name, the autonomous system (ASN), the network range, the responsible registry and the abuse contact for reporting misuse. The data comes from the official regional internet registries (e.g. ARIN for North America or RIPE NCC for Europe) and from IPinfo. To see which software runs on the website, use the website technology checker.