Using the Ping command

The ping command lets you verify whether another network node is reachable. It can also be used to determine the quality of the link between the computers. Let's see how to work with this command.

Running the Ping command
On a computer which is connected to a network, do the following:

1. Start > Run...,
2. Type in cmd and click OK,
3. On the command prompt, enter the command ping 192.168.0.2 and press Enter OR,
4. Enter the command ping computerName and press Enter, where computerName is the name of the remote computer.
   NOTE: Here, it is important to understand that in the ping command you should use the IP or computer name of the remote computer.

Identifying typical output behaviors of the Ping command
If the output of the ping command is something like:

Pinging 192.168.0.2 with 32 bytes of data:

Reply from 192.168.0.2: bytes=32 time=18ms TTL=128
Reply from 192.168.0.2: bytes=32 time=18ms TTL=128
...

then it means that the remote computer with the given IP is alive as it is replying to our ping command.

If the output of the ping command looks something like:

Pinging 192.168.0.2 with 32 bytes of data:

Request timed out.
Request timed out.
Request timed out.
Request timed out.

Ping statistics for 192.168.0.2: Packets: Sent = 4, Received = 0, Lost = 4 (100% loss),

then there is a problem connecting to the remote computer with the given IP. This could occur for several bunch of reasons:

• one of the network cables could be unplugged,
• the remote computer might not be powered up,
• the remote computer may have a firewall that could be preventing communication,
• one of the network cables could be faulty or damaged,
• the remote computer may not have the IP configuration compatible with your computer,
• etc.

For guidance in setting up your network, refer to the article Forming a small network at home (Part II).

There are several other options you can use with the ping command. To list more optionsfor the ping command, enter ping /? at the command prompt.