What is the function of the 'ping' command in troubleshooting?

The function of the 'ping' command in troubleshooting is primarily to test the reachability of a host on a network. When you use the 'ping' command, it sends Internet Control Message Protocol (ICMP) Echo Request messages to the target host and waits for an Echo Reply. This helps determine whether the specified device is active and reachable over the network. If the host responds, it indicates that there is network connectivity between the two devices.

The 'ping' command is a fundamental tool in network diagnostics, as it can help identify issues such as network congestion, device failure, or routing problems by providing feedback on the response time and packet loss, making it easier to troubleshoot connectivity issues.