Basic Network Diagnostic Tools

Command Line Tools

A command prompt is the input field in a text-based user interface screen for an
operating system or program. In some cases, command prompt interfaces can be
more powerful and offer additional tools that aren’t available through
the standard graphical interface. Experienced users may also use it to automate
certain tasks through. For newer users, it may take some practice to get used to
using command line tools. Here are a few simple ones for diagnosing network
connection problems.

Tool Description/Use
Displays current network settings of your computer,
ipconfig /all including local IP address, DNS addresses, MAC addresses,
subnet mask, etc.
Sends a request to an address and waits for a response. If a
ping response is received, it will display the response time in
milliseconds.
Traces the path, and the number of “hops” to the remote
tracert
server.
 Diagnostic Websites
In some cases, it may be necessary to run tests from outside your network. This
can be done to narrow down the source of a problem. If you’re having an issue,
using a diagnostic website can help you verify if the problem is only affecting you,
or if it is unable to be reached from the website’s hosting location as well. Tools
available on these websites may include many of the same functions including
ping and tracert, as well as many others. There are also sites that can be used to
verify your connection speed.

Speed Test Sites Diagnostic Tool Sites

speedtest.net network-tools.com
speedof.me ping.eu
speakeasy.net/speedtest centralops.net
fast.com mxtoolbox.com

Please use these tools to complete the activities listed on the following pages.
 Using Network Tools

Use online network tools to complete the following tasks.

1. Run speed tests on three different sites.

Site 1: _________________ Downstream __________ Upstream __________ Ping __________

Site 2: _________________ Downstream __________ Upstream __________ Ping __________

Site 3: _________________ Downstream __________ Upstream __________ Ping __________

2. What is your IP address?

_________________________________________

3. What is your current DNS server?

_________________________________________

For the following websites, find the IP address, ping, and number of hops to the destination. You can use
online toolsets or command line utilities.

4. Microsoft.com

IP: ______________________

Ping: ______________________

Hops: _____________________

5. Apple.com

IP: ______________________

Ping: ______________________

Hops: _____________________
6. GBSI.com

IP: ______________________

Ping: ______________________

Hops: _____________________

7. Acceletrain.com

IP: ______________________

Ping: ______________________

Hops: _____________________

8. Amazon.com

IP: ______________________

Ping: ______________________

Hops: _____________________

9. ESPN.com

IP: ______________________

Ping: ______________________

Hops: _____________________

10. Wikipedia.com

IP: ______________________

Ping: ______________________

Hops: _____________________

11. Google.com

IP: ______________________

Ping: ______________________

Hops: _____________________