Table of Contents
When encountering the IP address 158.63.258.200 in network logs, security alerts, or traffic analysis, understanding its origin and characteristics becomes crucial for network administrators and cybersecurity professionals.
This comprehensive guide provides detailed insights into performing IP address lookups, with 158.63.258.200 serving as our primary case study.
The IP address 158.63.258.200 belongs to a significant network infrastructure that requires careful analysis to understand its purpose and potential security implications.
Understanding IP Address Fundamentals
What Makes 158.63.258.200 Unique?
The IP address 158.63.258.200 is an IPv4 address that follows the standard dotted decimal notation.
As part of the 158.63.x.x range, this address belongs to a specific network block with distinct characteristics that differentiate it from typical commercial or residential IP addresses.
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IPv4 Address Structure Analysis
Breaking down 158.63.258.200:
- Network Class: Class B address range
- First Octet: 158 (indicates specific regional allocation)
- Second Octet: 63 (narrows down to a specific organization block)
- Third Octet: 258 (subnet identification)
- Fourth Octet: 200 (host identifier within subnet)
Network Ownership and ASN Information for 158.63.258.200
DARPA Network Infrastructure
Research indicates that IP addresses in the 158.63.x.x range are associated with AS22238, managed by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA).
This connection places 158.63.258.200 within a government research network infrastructure rather than commercial internet services.
Autonomous System Details
- ASN: AS22238
- Organization: Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA)
- Network Type: Government/Research Infrastructure
- Geographic Location: United States
Geolocation Analysis of 158.63.258.200
Location Characteristics
Based on network allocation patterns and WHOIS data:
Country: United States Network Classification: Government/Military Research ISP Type: Federal Research Network Connection Type: Dedicated Government Infrastructure
Accuracy Considerations
IP geolocation for government networks like 158.63.258.200 often provides country-level accuracy but may show limited city-specific details due to security considerations and network architecture designed for research purposes.
Security and Reputation Assessment
Threat Intelligence Analysis
Government research networks, including those containing 158.63.258.200, typically maintain clean reputations regarding:
- Spam Activity: Extremely low likelihood due to network governance
- Malware Hosting: Minimal risk given institutional oversight
- Botnet Participation: Virtually impossible due to security controls
- Phishing Operations: Not applicable to research infrastructure
Blacklist Status Expectations
IP addresses from DARPA networks, including 158.63.258.200, rarely appear on:
- DNS-based blacklists (DNSBLs)
- Real-time blackhole lists (RBLs)
- Commercial threat intelligence feeds
Technical Lookup Methods for 158.63.258.200
WHOIS Database Query
Performing a WHOIS lookup for 158.63.258.200 requires querying the appropriate Regional Internet Registry:
- ARIN Database: Primary source for North American IP allocations
- Organization Details: Reveals DARPA as the registered entity
- Contact Information: Administrative and technical contacts
- Network Range: Complete subnet allocation details
Reverse DNS Investigation
PTR record analysis for 158.63.258.200:
- Hostname Resolution: May return generic or internal hostnames
- Domain Structure: Likely .mil or .gov domain associations
- Service Identification: Research-specific naming conventions
Advanced Network Analysis
BGP Routing Information
- Upstream Providers: Federal network infrastructure
- Peering Relationships: Limited to approved government networks
- Route Announcements: Controlled distribution policies
Traffic Pattern Analysis
- Usage Characteristics: Research and development activities
- Access Restrictions: Limited external connectivity
- Security Protocols: Enhanced monitoring and logging
Practical Applications and Use Cases
Network Security Monitoring
When 158.63.258.200 appears in security logs:
- Context Evaluation: Determine connection purpose and legitimacy
- Pattern Recognition: Identify research-related traffic characteristics
- Risk Assessment: Apply appropriate security policies for government networks
Incident Response Procedures
Handling security events involving 158.63.258.200:
- Documentation Requirements: Enhanced logging for government IP ranges
- Escalation Procedures: Specialized reporting channels for federal networks
- Coordination Protocols: Inter-agency communication procedures
Best Practices for IP Analysis
Multi-Source Verification
When investigating 158.63.258.200:
- Cross-reference multiple IP intelligence databases
- Verify ASN information through authoritative sources
- Confirm geolocation data across different providers
- Validate reputation scores from various threat feeds
Privacy and Legal Considerations
Information Limitations
- Personal data is not available through public IP lookups
- Government networks maintain additional privacy protections
- WHOIS data may be limited for security reasons
Compliance Requirements
- Respect data privacy regulations
- Follow proper channels for government network inquiries
- Maintain appropriate documentation for security investigations
Tools and Resources for IP Lookup
Recommended Platforms
Free Tools:
- ARIN WHOIS Database
- IP2Location Community Edition
- MaxMind GeoLite2 Database
- Hurricane Electric BGP Toolkit
Professional Solutions:
- Commercial IP intelligence platforms
- Enterprise threat intelligence feeds
- Government-approved security tools
- Specialized federal network analysis software
API Integration Options
For automated analysis of addresses like 158.63.258.200:
- RESTful API endpoints for bulk lookups
- JSON response formats for integration
- Rate limiting considerations for government networks
- Authentication requirements for enhanced data
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Lookup Failures
When standard tools fail to resolve 158.63.258.200:
- Network filtering may block certain queries
- Government networks often limit public disclosure
- Specialized tools may be required for complete analysis
Data Inconsistencies
Resolving conflicting information:
- Government allocations may show varied results
- Historical data might conflict with current assignments
- Security classifications can limit available details
Future Considerations and Updates
Network Evolution
Government research networks, including those containing 158.63.258.200, continue evolving:
- IPv6 transition planning
- Enhanced security implementations
- Research project requirements
- International collaboration needs
Monitoring Best Practices
Maintaining awareness of changes:
- Regular WHOIS database updates
- ASN allocation modifications
- Policy changes affecting government networks
- Security enhancement implementations
Final words
The IP address 158.63.258.200 represents a unique case study in government research network infrastructure.
As part of DARPA’s AS22238 network, it requires specialized analysis approaches that consider both technical characteristics and operational security requirements.
Understanding addresses like 158.63.258.200 enhances network security capabilities while respecting the legitimate research purposes of government infrastructure.
Proper analysis techniques, combined with appropriate tools and methodologies, enable effective investigation while maintaining necessary security boundaries.
For network administrators and security professionals, encounters with 158.63.258.200 should trigger enhanced documentation procedures and specialized analysis protocols appropriate for government research networks.
