Terminology » Networking Basics » Ping Command: Format, Examples, and Applications

Ping Command: Format, Examples, and Applications

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This page describes the ping command format, provides practical ping command examples, and outlines its common applications. It also details the extended ping command, including its format, examples, and uses.

Basic Ping Command

The ping command is a fundamental network tool used to test the reachability of a host on an Internet Protocol (IP) network. It works by sending Internet Control Message Protocol (ICMP) echo request packets to the target host and listening for ICMP echo reply packets.

The following table outlines the basic syntax and usage of the ping command:

Ping Command FormatDescription
# ping w.x.y.zChecks layer-3 connectivity with the IP device having the address w.x.y.z.
# ping 172.168.20.1Performs a basic layer-3 test to the device with the IP address 172.168.20.1.
# ping GuruSimilar to above, but pings the system using its hostname (Guru) instead of its IP address. It will resolve the hostname to IP address using DNS server.

Extended Ping Command

The extended ping command offers more advanced options for network troubleshooting and testing. It allows you to customize various parameters of the ICMP echo request packets.

The following table details the format and options available in extended ping mode:

Extended Ping Command FormatDescription
# pingEnters into extended ping mode, which provides more options.
Protocol [ip] : ENTERConfirms that you want to ping using IP protocol
Target IP address: 172.16.20.1Enter the target IP address.
Repeat count [5] : 100Enter the number of echo requests you want to send. The default value is 5.
Datagram size [100]: ENTEREnter the size of the datagram to be sent, in bytes. The default value is 100.
Timeout in seconds [2]: ENTEREnter the timeout delay, in seconds, between sending echo requests.
Extended commands [n] : yesEnabling the Extended Commands allows you to configure more options
Source address or interface: 10.0.10.1Set the source IP address from which the ping originates. This is useful for testing specific network paths.
Type of service [0]Allows you to set the Type of Service (TOS) field in the IP header.
Set DF bit in IP header [no]Allows you to set the Don’t Fragment (DF) bit in the IP header. This prevents the packet from being fragmented along the path.
Validate reply data? [No]Specifies whether to validate the reply data received.
Data Pattern [0xFFFF]One can change data pattern in data field of ICMP echo request.

Ping Command Application

The ping command is invaluable for network troubleshooting and diagnostics. It helps in:

  • Verifying network connectivity: Determining if a host is reachable on the network.
  • Measuring round-trip time (RTT): Assessing the latency between the source and destination. Higher RTT values might indicate network congestion or routing issues.
  • Troubleshooting DNS resolution: Checking if a hostname can be resolved to an IP address.
  • Diagnosing network problems: Identifying potential bottlenecks or failures in the network path.

ping request and ping response

The ping command uses the ICMP protocol, which is part of the TCP/IP suite.

ICMP stands for Internet Control Message Protocol.