Networking basics, Common Network Commands

When networks go down or act up, system admins turn to a core set of built-in tools to diagnose problems. This tutorial introduces three essential network troubleshooting commands: ping, tracert/traceroute, and ipconfig/ifconfig. These tools help you check connectivity, locate issues, and analyze routes.

Step 1: ping

The ping command sends ICMP Echo Requests to test if a host is reachable. It's the most basic tool for checking if a device or website is alive.

ping google.com

• Shows response time in milliseconds.
• Detects packet loss or unreachable hosts.

Note: Some hosts or firewalls block ICMP responses.

Step 2: tracert / traceroute

This command traces the path packets take to reach a destination, showing each hop (router) along the way.

• tracert – Windows
• traceroute – Linux/macOS

tracert google.com

• Helps identify slow hops or where the connection is dropping.

Step 3: ipconfig / ifconfig

Displays your network configuration and assigned IP addresses.

• ipconfig – Windows
• ifconfig – Linux/macOS (use ip a on modern systems)

ipconfig /all
    ifconfig

Use this to:

• Find your IP address
• Check your DNS and gateway
• Release or renew DHCP info (ipconfig /release, /renew)

Step 4: Combining Tools

Start with ping, trace the route with tracert, and inspect your local configuration with ipconfig. This combination covers most network issues like DNS resolution failures, dropped connections, or misconfigured IPs.

Next Steps

Try these commands when you can’t connect to the internet or specific sites. They provide fast, powerful insights into what's working — and what's not — on your network.