Using Ping Command

Using the Ping Command

Ping is one of the most networking utilities that is used for network troubleshooting. You use ping to test the availability of a networking device (usually a PC) on a network.

When you ping a device you send that device a short message which it sends back (the echo). If you receive a reply the device is working ok on the network if you don't then:

The device is faulty, disconnected, switched off, incorrectly configured
Your network on the device you are working on is not working properly.

Knowing What to IP Address to Ping

To ping a device you need to know either the IP address of the device of the name of the device. (See Finding IP Address) Then you go to the command line (Start Menu>Run and enter cmd to open a command prompt and enter:

Ping IP Address e.g. ping 192.169.0.1 or

ping computer- name e.g. ping PC1

run command from start menu

The screenshot below shows use of the IP address. I have shown both a fail(192.168.0.1) and a success (192.168.1.1)

Ping Command Use Ip address

The screenshot below shows use of the computer name. Although this is easier than the IP address method it is only good if it works as it does below. If it fails it is not conclusive as there is an extra stage called name resolution involved and that could be at fault.

Ping Command Use Computer name

Advanced use of The Ping Command

The ping command as various options (switches) which you can see by typing

ping /? at the command prompt

Related Articles and Resources

Understanding Hubs and Switches
Finding IP Address-How to Find the IP Address of a windows Computer
Setup Windows XP Computer on a Wireless Network - How to setup windows XP computer to access a Wireless Network.
How to Setup A Secure Wireless Network-Wireless networks are by their nature not very secure .Here we look at how to Setup A Secure a Wireless Network.
Internet and Networking Components- Internet and Networking Components for connecting to the Internet.
Home Network Planning and Setup - How to plan and setup a Home Network with home networking case studies
MAC Addresses and How to Find a MAC Address.- You will see the term often. But what is a MAC address and How do you Find the MAC Address of your computer/laptop etc.

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