How to test an IP address against an RBL/DNSBL list
Hey There; this post is a technical post about how to test to see if your IP address is on an RBL list.
- Locate an RBL provider or if you know you are on their list determine their zone name: for example the zone names for SPAMHAUS are sbl.spamhaus.org, xbl.spamhaus.org and pbl.spamhaus.org
- Once you have those names, you need your IP address. For this example we will use a fake address:
212.122.234.565
(For those of you not in the know, this IP address can’t exist in the IP v4 numbering system)
- Now reverse the IP address!
565.234.122.212
- Now we need a command prompt; from windows XP, 2000 or Vista go to START -> Run and type cmd and enter. In Linux or another *nix system open a terminal. On Mac OSX, uh, open the terminal.
- At the command prompt type nslookup 565.234.122.212.sbl.spamhaus.org and hit ENTER
You should see something like this:
Server: dnsserver.yourdomain.com
Address: xx.xx.xx.xx*** dnsserver.yourdomain.com can’t find 565.234.122.212.sbl.spamhaus.org: Non-
existent domain
- If you DON’T See “Non-Existent domain” and instead see something like:
Non-authoritative answer:
Name: 565.234.122.212.sbl.spamhaus.org
Address: 127.0.0.1It’s a good bet you are on the RBL (in this case SBL) list.
- You can repeat this test for each DNSBL zone (ie nslookup 565.234.122.212.xbl.spamhaus.org)
- If all the tests come up as “non-existent domain” you’re clean!
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Kevin Wardrop
Kevin Wardrop is a former professional Problem solver turned self-employed blogger and computer janitor. While others were partying during high school, he lifted weights, suffered from Nerd Rage and played DM for some awesome Shadowrun Games.Kevin is a photographer. He hopes you enjoy his work.
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