Understanding and Viewing Resolved IP Addresses in Tracert Command

The tracert command, or traceroute in some systems, is a powerful network diagnostic tool used to display the route an IP packet takes to reach a network host. In this guide, we’ll explore how to use the tracert command in Command Prompt (CMD) on Windows to view resolved IP addresses and better understand your network path.

What is Tracert Command and How Does It Work?

The tracert command, short for trace route, is used to display the path packets take to reach a remote host. It works by sending small packets with varying TTL (Time to Live) values to the destination. Each router along the path decrements the TTL value by one and either sends a response back or allows the packet to reach the destination. By analyzing the responses, it is possible to determine each router along the path to the destination.

Using Tracert Command in CMD on Windows

The tracert command can be accessed through Command Prompt (CMD) on Windows systems. To use it, you need to understand its syntax and input arguments.

Syntax and Arguments

The syntax for the tracert command in CMD is as follows:

tracert [options] IP address | hostname

Here, the options and parameters might include:

-d: Display addresses numerically; do not attempt to do a nameserver lookup of each address. -h maximum_hops: Maximum number of hops. The default is 30. -j hostlist: Loose source route along hostlist. -w timeout: Wait timeout milliseconds for each reply.

Viewing Resolved IP Addresses

To view the resolved IP addresses that the tracert command finds, you can use the -d option. This will prevent the command from resolving the numerical IP addresses into hostnames, thus providing a more straightforward and concise output:

tracert -d IP_ADDRESS

Here is a step-by-step guide to using the tracert command:

Open Command Prompt (CMD) on your Windows system. You can do this by pressing Win R, typing cmd, and pressing Enter.

Type the tracert command followed by the IP address or hostname of the remote host you want to trace. To view resolved IP addresses, use the -d option. For example:

tracert -d 216.58.222.209

Press Enter to execute the command. The tracert command will display the route your packets take to reach the target host, showing each router and IP address along the way.

Interpreting the Tracert Output

The output of the tracert command typically includes several columns of information:

The first column shows the hops or routers the packets passed through. The second column shows the IP addresses of the routers or hosts. The third column shows the amount of time taken for the response (in milliseconds). The fourth column indicates the status of the response (e.g., * * for a timeout, and TMSC* for a timeout at a specific millisecond).

By examining the output, you can identify any delays or potential bottlenecks in your network path.

Alternatives to Tracert on Different Platforms

In addition to the tracert command on Windows, other operating systems have similar tools. For example:

macOS: You can use the built-in tracert command, usually located in the /usr/bin/traceroute file. Alternatively, you can use the Network Utility app which includes a traceroute tool. To use the Command Line utility: Open Finder → Applications → Utilities → Network Utility Select Traceroute and enter the IP address or hostname you wish to trace

The output on macOS is quite similar to that of the tracert command on Windows, with a focus on IP addresses and router information.

Conclusion

The tracert command is a valuable tool for understanding your network paths and diagnosing connectivity issues. By using the -d option, you can view resolved IP addresses, making it easier to pinpoint problems in your network. Familiarity with the tracert command can significantly improve your ability to troubleshoot network-related issues.

Further Reading

If you’re interested in learning more about network diagnostics and troubleshooting, consider checking out:

Microsoft's documentation on tracert Using traceroute to trace IP routes in Linux