Traceroute Explained: What Is and How to Use It

Ever had a video take ages to load or your online game lagging, and you can’t figure out why? Chances are, the problem lies somewhere along the path your data travels across the internet. Next time it happens, we recommend you use Traceroute to get to the bottom of it!

Traceroute tracks the journey your data takes from your device to a destination server showing the stops, and allowing you to pinpoint delays or issues that might be happening.

What is Traceroute?

Traceroute is a command-line tool that helps diagnose network issues by tracking the path data takes from your computer to a specified destination. It reveals each router or "hop" along the route to pinpoint where delays or breaks occur in the network.

When you use the traceroute command, it displays a list of each hop's address and the time it takes for the data to reach that hop. For example, if you're experiencing slow internet connectivity, traceroute can identify if the delay happens locally or further along the path, like at your internet service provider's server.

Here's how you might use the traceroute command:

• On Windows: Type tracert example.com in the command prompt.
• On macOS/Linux: Use traceroute example.com in the terminal.

Example Traceroute Output:

This table is one of the most effective tools for troubleshooting network connectivity issues. It features the number of hops/stops and their response times, helping you track the journey of your data. 

Purpose of the Traceroute Command

As we can see, the main purpose of the Traceroute command is to map the path that data packets take from your computer to a destination server, identifying points of delay or failure in the network.

The Tracerout command sends a series of data packets, measuring the time required for each hop to reach the target and thus detecting where bottlenecks occur. For example, if a website is loading slowly, Traceroute can help pinpoint whether the issue is within the local network, the Internet Service Provider (ISP), or somewhere further along the connection route.

Here's a simple command example for running Traceroute:

• On Windows: tracert www.example.com
• On macOS/Linux: traceroute www.example.com

Running these commands will display a very similar list to the one above allowing you to see all the network hops the packets have traversed, and the time taken for each. 

How Traceroute Works

Here's how traceroute works in three simple steps:

1. Packet Sending: Traceroute sends packets with increasing Time-To-Live (TTL) values. TTL is how many "hops" the packet can make before being dropped.
2. Receiving Responses: Each packet stops at a router. The router responds back, showing where packets have been and how long each hop took.
3. Hop Recording: Traceroute collects the response times from each hop and lists all routers on the route to the final destination.

Here’s a table that sums up a traceroute result:

For example, if you want to diagnose delays on the path to google.com, you would type:

traceroute google.com

Running Traceroute on Different Operating Systems

Traceroute is accessible on various operating systems, each with slight differences in how it's used. Whether you’re on Windows, macOS, or Linux, you can easily run traceroute to troubleshoot and understand network routes.

Traceroute on Windows

On Windows, the traceroute command is slightly altered to tracert. It’s straightforward to use and can be executed through the Command Prompt. Here’s how you can run it:

1. Open the Command Prompt by typing "cmd" in the Windows search bar and pressing Enter.
2. Type the command tracert followed by the destination you're investigating.

Example command:

tracert google.com

Executing this command will show each hop your packets take to reach Google's servers, along with the time each hop takes.

Traceroute on macOS

In macOS, traceroute can be run through the Terminal application. The steps are equally simple:

1. Open Terminal by searching for it in Spotlight or finding it in the Utilities folder.
2. Type traceroute followed by the address of the server you wish to trace.

Example command:

traceroute google.com

This command provides a detailed map of your packets' journey, helping identify network latencies or disruptions.

Traceroute on Linux

Linux users can also utilize the traceroute command via the Terminal. Depending on the distribution, you might need to install it first using a package manager.

1. Open Terminal. If traceroute is not installed, you can install it using a command like sudo apt-get install traceroute (for Debian/Ubuntu systems).
2. Once installed, run traceroute followed by your target domain.

Example command:

traceroute google.com

This will output a list of routers and the time spent to reach each, offering insights into network efficiency.

To summarize, no matter your operating system, traceroute is a powerful tool for networking diagnostics, helping track potential bottlenecks and inefficiencies in your data's journey over the internet.

Traceroute Options: Fine-Tuning Your Network Diagnostics

Traceroute isn’t just a “one-command-fits-all” tool; it comes with several options to help you customize how it works and get more specific insights. Here are some common options and how they can be useful:

1. Set the Maximum Hops

• Option: -m (or /h in Windows)
• What It Does: Limits the number of hops Traceroute will attempt.
• Example: Running traceroute -m 10 example.com stops tracing after 10 hops.
• Why It’s Useful: Prevents unnecessary hops if you know your destination is nearby, saving time and making the output cleaner.

2. Adjust Timeout Values

• Option: -w
• What It Does: Sets how long to wait for a response from each hop before moving on.
• Example: traceroute -w 3 example.com waits up to 3 seconds for a response.
• Why It’s Useful: Useful for diagnosing slow networks or testing connections with high latency.

3. Use a Specific Network Protocol

• Option: -I or -T
• What It Does: Changes the protocol used, such as ICMP (-I) or TCP (-T).
• Example: traceroute -I example.com uses ICMP instead of the default UDP.
• Why It’s Useful: Some networks block certain protocols, so switching can help you bypass restrictions.

4. Specify the Packet Size

• Option: -q
• What It Does: Sets the number of probe packets to send for each hop.
• Example: traceroute -q 5 example.com sends 5 packets instead of the default 3.
• Why It’s Useful: Sends more packets for better accuracy or fewer for faster results.

5. View IP Addresses or Hostnames

• Option: -n
• What It Does: Skips resolving hostnames and displays only IP addresses.
• Example: traceroute -n example.com shows raw IPs.
• Why It’s Useful: Speeds up results when hostname resolution is slow.

6. Save or Export Results

• While not a direct option, you can save the output by redirecting it to a file.
• Example: traceroute example.com > traceroute-results.txt
• Why It’s Useful: Keeps a record for further analysis or sharing with tech support.

By using these options, you can customize Traceroute to match your needs and dig deeper into your network’s behavior, making troubleshooting faster and more effective.

Analyzing Traceroute Results

When you run a traceroute, you’re basically mapping the route your data takes to reach a website or another device. It’s like tracking a package as it moves through different shipping hubs. By examining these stops, you can spot where slowdowns or issues might be happening. Let’s break it down step by step.

Understanding Latency

Latency is the time it takes for data to travel from your computer to each stop, or "hop," along the path. These hops are usually routers or servers that forward your data closer to its destination. If one hop has a noticeably longer response time, it’s like a traffic jam slowing everything down.

Example: Imagine you’re streaming a movie, and it keeps buffering. Running a traceroute might show that one hop has much higher latency. That’s like your package getting stuck in a warehouse for too long, delaying delivery. Knowing where the slowdown happens helps you pinpoint the issue.

Spotting Timeouts

Sometimes, a hop doesn’t respond in time, and traceroute marks it with asterisks (*). This could happen for a few reasons: a router might be set to ignore traceroute requests, or there could be a real connection problem.

Example: Say you’re trying to access a website, and the traceroute shows several hops with "***". It’s like calling someone and hearing nothing but silence. This might mean the router is blocking requests or there’s a technical issue. Either way, it flags where to look closer.

Why Each Hop Matters

Each hop represents a step your data takes on its journey. By looking at these steps, you can spot bottlenecks, dropped connections, or areas where the network is overloaded. It’s like retracing your steps when you’ve lost your keys—you can see where things might have gone wrong.

Example: If your office network is slow, running a traceroute might reveal that the issue is with one of your internal routers before the data even leaves your building. Fixing that router could resolve the problem without needing to call your Internet provider.

Traceroute gives you a behind-the-scenes look at your data’s journey. While it’s not flashy, it’s an incredibly useful tool for diagnosing internet issues and understanding how your network works. It’s like having a map to troubleshoot the digital highways your data travels on.

Traceroute Vs. Ping

At first glance, traceroute and ping might seem similar because both involve sending data packets across a network. However, they differ significantly:

• Purpose: While ping simply checks if a device is reachable, traceroute provides detailed information about the whole path data packets took to reach their destination.
• Output: Ping returns a summary of the quickest response times between your device and a target server while Traceroute provides a step-by-step report showing each node (or hop) the data traverses through.
• Use Case: Use ping to quickly check connectivity or latency to a particular server. Use Traceroute to diagnose where network slowdowns or failures occur.

For example, to use ping, you might enter:

ping www.example.com

And for traceroute, you would type:

traceroute www.example.com

or on Windows systems:

tracert www.example.com

Tracert vs. Traceroute

The main difference between tracert and traceroute is the operating system. Traceroute is used on Unix-based systems like macOS and Linux, while tracert is the Windows version. Both work the same way, letting you map your network’s path and customize settings like hop limits or timeouts. Just pick the one that matches your system!

Common Use Cases for Traceroute

Traceroute is like a GPS for your internet connection, helping you see the path your data takes from your computer to a website or server. It’s a handy tool for figuring out what’s causing slow speeds or connection issues. Here’s how people commonly use it:

• Finding Network Problems: If a website isn’t loading or is super slow, traceroute can show you where the issue is. For instance, if your data gets stuck at a certain point, it’s like finding a broken bridge on your data’s route.
• Checking Performance: Traceroute highlights delays or bottlenecks along the path, helping tech professionals pinpoint and fix slow spots. Think of it like finding the slow lane on a highway and figuring out how to avoid it.
• Understanding Data Routes: Sometimes, traceroute shows your data taking a long, unexpected path, like flying from New York to London via Tokyo. This insight is especially useful for businesses working across the globe.
• Helping ISPs Fix Issues: Internet providers often use traceroute to spot routing problems that affect multiple customers, speeding up their troubleshooting process.

How to Run It:
On Windows, type tracert example.com in the command prompt. On macOS or Linux, use traceroute example.com in the terminal.

Traceroute turns the invisible journey of your data into something you can track and fix when things go wrong.

Best Practices for Using Traceroute

Traceroute is a simple yet powerful tool for checking the path your data takes to a website or server. Here’s how to use it effectively:

1. Know What It’s For: Traceroute helps you troubleshoot network issues and understand the path your data takes. Think of it as a map for your internet traffic.
2. Keep It Simple: Use the command like this: traceroute <destination>. For instance, to see how your data reaches Google, type traceroute google.com.
3. Read the Output: Each line in the result represents a “hop” or stop your data makes. If one hop shows a long delay, it’s like hitting a traffic jam—it points to where the issue might be.
4. Check Regularly: If you rely on a stable connection for work or gaming, run traceroute now and then to catch problems early.
5. Compare at Different Times: Run traceroute during peak and off-peak hours. It’s like checking traffic patterns—you’ll learn what’s normal and spot anything unusual.
6. Pair It with Other Tools: Use traceroute along with tools like ping to get a fuller picture of what’s happening with your network.

By following these tips, you’ll turn traceroute into a valuable ally for solving internet problems and keeping your connection smooth.

Make Networking Easy

Troubleshooting your network doesn’t have to be complicated. Tools like Traceroute and a CIDR Calculator simplify the process, whether you’re tracking data paths or managing subnets. With the right tools, network issues become a breeze to handle!