Ping

What is ping?

Ping is a computer network diagnostic tool used to test the reachability of a host on an Internet Protocol (IP) network. It measures the round-trip time for messages sent from the originating host to a destination IP address.

The term 'ping' was coined to resemble the sound made by sonar signals, which send out a pulse and wait for a return signal. In the same way, the ping command sends a request to a specific IP address and waits for a response from that host.

How ping works

The process

The ping command sends Internet Control Message Protocol (ICMP) echo request messages to the destination host and waits for a response. When that response is received, the ping is then measured in milliseconds (ms). The lower the ping, the faster the connection.

When a ping command is executed, it sends a series of data groupings, known as packets, to the target IP address. The target computer then responds with an acknowledgment of the packets received. The time taken for the round trip of these packets is the ping time.

Interpreting ping response

A typical ping response displays the round-trip time in milliseconds, the size of the packets that were sent, and the IP address of the target. If the response shows a time of 1ms to 100ms, it indicates a fast, efficient connection. A response time of 100ms to 300ms is considered average, while anything above 300ms is deemed slow.

It's important to note that a 'Request Timed Out' message means that no response was received from the target IP address. This could indicate that there’s a problem with the network connection, or that the target isn’t online. If you notice an unusually rapid increase in your ping, you’re probably going to encounter internet connectivity issues.

Uses of ping

Network troubleshooting

Ping is a vital tool for diagnosing network problems. By pinging a specific IP address and then interpreting the response, network administrators can determine whether a specific host is suitable for sending and receiving data packets.

It can also help identify issues with network speed and reliability. For example, if a user is experiencing slow internet speeds, a network administrator might use ping to check the latency of their connection.

Website accessibility

Ping is also used to check the accessibility of websites. By pinging a website's IP address, you can determine whether the website is online and how quickly it is responding to requests. This is particularly useful for website administrators who need to ensure their site is always accessible and running efficiently.

Ping in gaming

In the world of online gaming, ping is a critical factor that can significantly impact the gaming experience. A lower ping means a faster connection, which is crucial in online competitive multiplayer games.

High ping times can lead to lag, which can be frustrating for players. That’s why users often use speed tests to check the quality of their internet connection before they get online.

Ping and live streaming

Having a reliable and fast internet connection is essential if you’re a live streamer. Investing in a wired network connection is a good idea if you broadcast your content often, as it’ll consistently result in better ping than a wireless connection.

Trying to run a stream with high ping can be inconvenient at best and disastrous at worst. Interruptions in your broadcast can occur in some cases if you have an unstable connection, and some features of your live stream may not work properly with high ping. Your stream could also end prematurely if you have high enough ping.