Ping Trace Techniques for Network Connectivity Troubleshooting

Ping tracing is a utility that can check connection issues between a network and an IP address or a server. The PING test can identify connectivity between two network connections, often as a troubleshooting tool. Ping tracing can determine how long it takes to connect to a specific website as well. The ping traceroute test, or TRACERT, checks the path (the server hops) that the computer is using to connect to the network. The MTR test combines both Ping and Traceroute functions into a single tool for network diagnostics. PathPing is an even more advanced Ping tool that can ping all the hops along the route to the destination and help determine what is causing lags or slow speeds. Ping and traceroute, MTR, and PathPing can all help troubleshoot network connectivity using the ICMP (Internet Control Message Protocol) as a diagnostic tool.

What is ping tracing?

Ping tracing is a commonly used diagnostic tool, or utility, to check on and improve network connectivity and issues between servers and networks. Data is sent through networks in small pieces, or packets, which can take different routes, or hops, to get to their end destination. Once there, these packets are reassembled to perform the goal or send the intended message. At times, some of these packets can lag behind or not make it through to the destination due to a technical glitch, congestion in the network pathway, or when a server is down.

Purpose of ping trace usage

Ping tracing can help to determine the length of time it takes packets to get to the server, report any errors along the way, and discover if a specific IP address is accessible. Ping tracing can also be used to check activity within a computer network. Ping tracing is used for the following reasons:

• When internet performance is slow
• For difficulties reaching specific websites
• When there are poor quality issues with VOIP calls