Network Administrator how-to

How to Troubleshoot Connectivity with Ping and Traceroute

Ping and traceroute quickly show where a connection breaks.

Updated By the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team
Quick answer

Ping and traceroute quickly show where a connection breaks. In short: ping; ping; ping, then complete the remaining steps below.

Step by step

  1. Ping the local loopback (127.0.0.1) to confirm the network stack works.

  2. Ping the device’s own IP address.

  3. Ping the default gateway.

  4. Ping an internal server, then an external IP address.

  5. Test DNS by pinging a domain name.

  6. Run traceroute (tracert on Windows) to see where packets stop or slow down.

  7. Document results and escalate to the right team or provider.

Safety reminders for network administrators

  • Follow change management and back up configurations before changes
  • Use least privilege and MFA for administrative access
  • Patch systems promptly within approved windows
  • Lift heavy equipment safely and follow electrical safety in server rooms

LAN / WAN · Router · Switch · VLAN · Subnet · IP address: see the full network administrator glossary.

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