PING (ENG)

Modified on Tue, 5 Nov, 2024 at 9:53 AM

1. Windows, Mac OS X, and Linux

The Ping command allows you to test the connection speed between you and another network node. You can use it to tell the strength, distance, and availability of a connection, either in your own network or over the internet. Follow this guide to use the Ping command on any system.

1.1. Open the Command Prompt or Terminal

Every operating system has a command line interface that will allow you to run the Ping command. The Ping command operates virtually identically on all systems.

If using Windows, open the Command Prompt. Click the Start button and enter cmd into the Search field. Windows 8 users can type “cmd” while on the Start screen. Press Enter to launch the Command Prompt.
If using Mac OS X, open the Terminal. Open your Applications folder, and then open the Utilities folder. Select Terminal.
If using Linux, Open a Telnet/Terminal window. It is most often found in the Accessories folder in your Applications directory. In Ubuntu, you can use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + Alt + T to open the terminal.

1.2. Enter the Ping command

Type ping hostname or
ping IP address

Hostname or IP address replace with a hostname or IP address that we provided to you.

1.3. Press Enter to see your ping output

The results will be displayed beneath the current command line. If error did not occur, ping command results will be generated underneath the current command line. In order to stop generation of command output just press CTRL+C.
You can copy the result or make a screenshot and send us, depends what suits you best.

Example: ping google.com

2. Troubleshooting

The most common errors are as follows.

2.1. Check your entry

One of the common error reports looks similar to

Ping request could not find host www.example.com. Please check the name and try again.

This usually means that the you have misspelled the hostname.

2.2. Check your connection

Another error message is:

ping: sendto: No route to host

This may mean the address of the gateway is incorrect or that the connection from your PC is not up and running.

2.3. Test your computer

Ping 127.0.0.1

that's your own PC. If this fails, your TCP/IP is not functioning correctly, and your network adapter needs to be reconfigured.

2.4. Other common problems

Check that the router has the proper indicators light (and no faults), including the one that indicates a good connection to your PC. If a fault indicator is on, follow the cable from your PC to the router to make sure it is properly connected, then call your cable or broadband provider if necessary.
Check your wireless connection or the connection from your PC to your router, especially if it was working previously.
Most PC network ports have an indicator light that indicates a good connection and one that blinks as data is transferred. As the ping command transmits packets at about 1 per second, you should be able to see the data light blink.