Which tool is used to diagnose network connectivity issues?

The Ping command is widely recognized as a primary tool used to diagnose network connectivity issues. It functions by sending Internet Control Message Protocol (ICMP) Echo Request packets to a specified IP address or hostname and then waits for a reply. This helps determine whether a network device is reachable over the network and measures the round-trip time for messages sent.

When using the Ping command, if you receive a response, it indicates that the path to the target device is functioning, and the device is online. If there is no response, it can suggest that there are connectivity issues, which may be caused by various factors such as network outages, incorrectly configured devices, or firewalls blocking ICMP traffic. This tool provides immediate feedback about the state of the network path, making it invaluable for diagnosing connectivity problems.

While other tools listed can assist with gathering information about the network or troubleshooting specific aspects, none match the direct and effective nature of the Ping command for general connectivity diagnostics. For instance, Traceroute identifies the route packets take to reach a destination, which is helpful for pinpointing specific points of failure but does not test connectivity in the same straightforward way. Netstat displays active connections and listening ports, which is useful for understanding current network status, while IP Config pertains