Traceroute programs are used to identify the internet path and time taken for communications between you and a remote internet server. Technicians typically use them to identify network performance problems but end users sometimes employ them to help identify the location of a remote website and the path taken in-between.
3D Traceroute [1] is a good example of a traceroute tool. Just type in the address or IP of a remote server and it displays the route taken between you and the server in an easy to an understand graphical format. Full details are provided including the time taken for each link in the chain and full details of all servers en-route. Sometimes the full route information cannot be resolved, however, the resolved points in between can usually provide enough information to "get close" to the source. You can use it for technical tasks such as diagnosing slow connections or for general purpose snooping like determining the location and owner of a web site or tracing spammers.
Alien IP [2] is a simple streamlined world map based traceroute tool. It utilizes many of 3D Traceroute advantages with an easy to use interface and easy to undersand controls. Simply input an IP# or URL address and Alien IP takes you right there by maping the hosts world location. Alien IP can also locate a host, ping a host, resolve an IP range, create trace lists, ID local information, and it even provides a nifty IP calculator.
[1] 3D Traceroute
Website: http://www.d3tr.de/
Author: 3D Traceroute
Date: 04/28/2008
Version: 2.4.39.2
Download File size: 2.34MB
License: Freeware
Operating systems supported: Windows 2000 - XP
64 Bit Capable: no
Portable version available: yes
Other languages supported: no
Additional Software Required: no
[2] Alien IP
Website: http://www.armcode.com
Author: ArmCode
Date: 04/28/2008
Version: 2.30
Download File size: 15MB
License: Unlimited Trial
Operating systems supported: Windows 95 - XP
64 Bit Capable: no
Portable version available: no
Other languages supported: no
Additional Software Requires: no