Network Troubleshooting Tools and Commands

Modern networks are complicated, and exploring them requires knowledge, vision, and a solid toolkit. Network troubleshooting tools are essential for IT workers as people and organizations rely more and more on constant connectivity.

These network troubleshooting tools offer crucial information and functionality to sustain peak performance, whether it's identifying latency problems, resolving DNS conflicts, or guaranteeing network security. 

To meet the increasing demands of cloud computing, IoT devices, and hybrid work environments, tools are becoming smarter, faster, and more thorough. Keeping up with these developments is essential for IT managers.

In this article, we have provided the top 12 network troubleshooting tools and commands that should be known by every IT professional. Furthermore, we also offer networking courses for certification training, so that you can build a solid career in IT networking.

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Top 12 Network Troubleshooting Tools and Commands

The following are the top 12 network troubleshooting tools and commands necessary for technical experts. 

1. Nslookup   

Nslookup is a foundational tool for querying DNS servers, enabling IT professionals to obtain domain name and IP address mappings. It is often the first stop in diagnosing DNS issues, such as unreachable websites or email delivery problems.   

● Use Cases: This tool is primarily used to troubleshoot DNS configuration issues, verify domain records, and diagnose DNS resolution failures.   

● Pros: Quick and effective for DNS troubleshooting.   

● Cons: Limited to DNS queries and doesn’t analyze other network layers.   

● Availability: Built into most operating systems, making it universally accessible. 

Read More About Domain Naming System (DNS)   

2. Ping   

Ping is a go-to tool for checking basic connectivity between a host and a destination. By sending packets and measuring the time it takes for responses, Ping helps diagnose connectivity and latency problems.   

● Use Cases: Ideal for verifying device availability, measuring network latency, and identifying basic connectivity issues.   

● Pros: Simple, fast, and universally available.   

● Cons: Cannot identify the root cause of issues beyond connectivity.   

● Availability: Integrated into almost all operating systems.   

3. Traceroute / Tracert   

Traceroute (or tracert on Windows) tracks the path that packets take to reach their destination, mapping each hop along the way. This is essential for diagnosing where bottlenecks or delays occur.   

● Use Cases: Perfect for identifying network congestion points, routing problems, and service provider issues.   

● Pros: Comprehensive route visualization.   

● Cons: Can be slow and sometimes inaccurate in large or complex networks.   

● Notes: Available on most operating systems, with slight variations (traceroute on Unix/Linux and tracert on Windows).   

4. Ipconfig / Ifconfig   

Ipconfig (for Windows) and ifconfig (for Unix/Linux) are command-line tools that provide essential information about a device’s network configuration. These tools can display or modify IP address settings, subnet masks, and default gateways.   

● Use Cases: Viewing and modifying IP configurations, releasing/renewing DHCP addresses, and troubleshooting network connectivity.   

● Pros: Easy to use and highly informative.   

● Cons: Limited to local device configuration and diagnostics.   

5) Speed Test   

Speed test tools measure internet connection performance, including download/upload speeds, latency, and jitter. These metrics are critical for diagnosing slow or unreliable connections.   

● Use Cases: Identifying bandwidth bottlenecks, verifying service provider claims, and assessing connection quality.   

● Pros: User-friendly and widely available as online tools or standalone apps.   

● Cons: Results can vary depending on external factors like server location and time of day.   

6. IP Scanner   

IP scanners detect all devices connected to a network, providing details like IP addresses, MAC addresses, and open ports. These tools are invaluable for network auditing and security.   

● Use Cases: Identifying unauthorized devices, auditing network inventory, and troubleshooting device conflicts.   

● Pros: Provides comprehensive insights into network devices.   

● Cons: Advanced options can be overwhelming for beginners.   

With cybersecurity threats on the rise, IP scanners are critical for maintaining network visibility and control.   

7. Whois   

Whois queries databases for information about the ownership and registration of internet domains or IP addresses. This tool helps IT professionals track down domain owners and resolve conflicts.   

● Use Cases: Verifying domain ownership, identifying registrars, and resolving DNS disputes.   

● Pros: Provides rich, detailed information.   

● Cons: Can be overwhelming for less experienced users.   

8. Netstat   

Netstat is a command-line utility that displays active network connections, routing tables, and traffic statistics. It’s a powerful tool for monitoring and analyzing network activity.   

● Use Cases: Identifying unauthorized connections, monitoring traffic, and diagnosing network performance issues.   

● Pros: Extremely detailed and versatile.   

● Cons: Requires expertise to interpret its complex output.   

9. Wireshark Network Protocol Analyzer   

Wireshark is a real-time packet analyzer that provides deep insights into network traffic, making it one of the most powerful tools for diagnosing network issues.   

● Use Cases: Troubleshooting complex network problems, analyzing packet flows, and diagnosing performance bottlenecks.   

● Pros: Offers unparalleled detail in network traffic analysis.   

● Cons: Steep learning curve for beginners.   

As networks grow more complex, Wireshark continues to stand out as the go-to tool for detailed protocol and traffic analysis.   

10. Telnet/SSH   

Telnet and SSH are network protocols used for remote management of servers and devices. While Telnet is older and less secure, SSH provides encrypted connections, making it the preferred choice today.   

● Use Cases: Remote troubleshooting, configuration, and management of network devices.   

● Pros: Essential for server and network device administration.   

● Cons: Telnet lacks encryption, posing security risks.   

11. Subnet and IP Calculators   

These tools simplify subnetting tasks, helping IT professionals design efficient IP address schemes.   

● Use Cases: Planning subnets, calculating usable IP ranges, and optimizing network design.   

● Pros: Reduces complexity in network planning.   

● Cons: Overkill for smaller, simpler networks.   

12. PuTTY/Tera Term   

PuTTY and Tera Term are lightweight SSH and Telnet clients used for remote server access.   

● Use Cases: Managing servers and configuring network devices remotely.   

● Pros: Lightweight, reliable, and versatile.   

● Cons: Requires some setup for optimal performance.   

Conclusion   

As we move into 2024, mastering network troubleshooting tools is more important than ever. From basic utilities like Ping and Traceroute to advanced platforms like Wireshark and SSH clients, these tools provide the functionality needed to keep networks running smoothly.   

By leveraging these tools effectively, IT professionals can diagnose network issues, resolve bottlenecks, and safeguard against security threats. Staying informed and proficient with these utilities will ensure businesses maintain reliable and efficient network operations in an increasingly digital world.