(IT FAQ) Network troubleshooting using ping
Introducing 'ping', the first tool of the PC Doctor
When something on the PC won't work then the most useful diagnostic tool is often ping (just like a GP might use a stethoscope!). ping tests whether your PC can communicate with another computer, the other computer being specified by either its IP number or by its name.
An example of using ping
- Click 'Start' and then 'Run'
- Type 'cmd' into the text field causing a black window to open up (called the command prompt)
- Type in 'ping www.clear.net.nz' then hit 'Enter'
- The results should look like the picture below
Some useful things to ping
- 'ping www.clear.net.nz' - Can I ping a site on the Internet using its domain name?
- If so, then things are looking good, everything is working as it should!
- 'ping 203.97.37.85' - If not, then can I ping the same site using its IP number?
- 'ping router' - Can I ping the router at the main school using its name?
- If so, then we have 'network connectivity' right across the Main School network.
- 'ping 10.215.32.1' - If not, then can I ping the router using its name?
- 'ping ws2' - Can I ping the file server using its name?
- 'ping 10.215.32.11' - If not, then can I ping the server using its IP number?
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