How to use the traceroute command

When you visit a website, traffic is routed through a number of computers around the world. The speed at which web pages load is directly impacted by the speed at which traffic flows between these computers.

If you’re experiencing slow connections, the traceroute command is a useful tool for testing the speed of internet traffic travelling between routing computers.

To test your network speeds, run the following commands in a Command Prompt (Windows) or Terminal window (Mac OS):

  • Mac

traceroute domain.com

  • Windows

tracert domain.com

traceroute

The command shows the path your internet traffic takes when you attempt to connect to the web server. Each line in the report represents a computer on the Internet, identified by a domain name and/or IP address. Investigate the three round-trip times (shown in milliseconds) as your request is passed between servers on the Internet. Larger numbers indicate a longer delay between hops.

Copying and pasting traceroute results

When troubleshooting connectivity or speed issues, you may be asked to send the output from traceroute reports to the HostPapa Support team. To do so, you can copy and paste the results into an email or support ticket.

  • Mac – Highlight the traceroute results, then right-click or use a two-finger tap to open the context menu. Select Copy and then paste the results into your email or support ticket text box.
  • Windows – Right-click on the Command Prompt window and select Edit > Mark. Hold down the left mouse button and highlight your traceroute results, then right click and select Copy. Now paste them into your email or support ticket text box.

For further questions, or if you need help, please open a support ticket from your HostPapa Dashboard. Follow this link to learn how.

 

 

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