30 Second Tech – How to Use the Ping Command to Test Network Connectivity

Why Use the Ping Command?
Need to check if a device is online or diagnose network issues? The `ping` command is a simple tool available on all major operating systems that helps you test network connectivity.

Windows:

1. Open the Command Prompt:
   • Press Win + R to open the Run dialog.
   • Type cmd and press Enter.
2. Type `ping` followed by a website or IP address:
   Example: ping google.com
3. Press Enter to run the command:
   • The Command Prompt will display the results, showing how long it takes for packets to travel to the destination and back.

Understanding the Results:

• Good Ping: If you see replies with a time (time=<X>ms), the connection is good. Lower times mean better connection quality.
• Bad Ping: If you see “Request timed out” or “Destination host unreachable,” it indicates network issues. Check your internet connection or try a different website.

Mac:

1. Open the Terminal:
   • Go to Applications > Utilities > Terminal.
2. Type `ping` followed by a website or IP address:
   Example: ping google.com
3. Press Enter:
   • The Terminal will show the ping results. Use Control + C to stop the ping command.

Understanding the Results:

• Good Ping: Continuous replies with times indicate a good connection.
• Bad Ping: “Request timeout” means there’s a connectivity problem. Verify your network settings or try `ping` on another network.

Linux:

1. Open the Terminal:
   • This can vary by Linux distribution. Generally, you can find it in the Applications menu or by pressing Ctrl + Alt + T.
2. Type `ping` followed by a website or IP address:
   Example: ping google.com
3. Press Enter:
   • The Terminal will display the ping results. Use Control + C to stop the ping.

Understanding the Results:

• Good Ping: Replies with response times mean the connection is stable.
• Bad Ping: “Network unreachable” or “Destination host unreachable” shows network problems. Check router settings, cables, or try different networks.

Tips:

• `Ping` is useful for checking if a device is reachable, measuring network response time, and identifying network issues.
• Shortcut to stop: Use Ctrl + C on all OS to stop the `ping`.