How to Test PING on computer

If you have recently performed an Internet speed test then you may have noticed that in addition to download and upload speeds, the connection's Ping response time is also tested, download and upload speeds seem easy to understand, but what exactly is Ping and what does it show us? How to test Ping on a computer?

Article content:
1. What is Ping?.
2. What is Ping Test?.
3. How to test Ping on computer.

I. What is Ping?

Ping comes from a term used in sonar technology that emits pulses of sound and then listens for the echoes that return. In computer networking, Ping (short for Packet Internet Grouper) is a network utility, built into most operating systems, that helps test the connection between two devices by measuring the total time it takes for one device to to send and receive standard data packets from other devices.

You issue a ping command with a specific URL or IP address, your computer sends data packets to devices on the network, then waits for a response. When a response is received, the Ping results will tell you how long each data packet took to make the "round trip".

You can test Ping to see if your computer can connect to another device, such as a router on your local network or a device on the Internet. This can help you determine whether the network problem is on your local network or somewhere further away. The time it takes for data packets to return can help you determine if your connection is slow or if you are experiencing packet loss (Packet loss - occurs when one or more data packets traveling through a computer network do not reach their destination). .

In the world of online gaming, ping refers to the delay between a player's computer and another client (peer) or game server. Many online games like Free Fire or PUBG Mobile display this parameter in the corner of the screen to let gamers know the current network latency.

What is the ideal Ping response time?
- Under 30ms: Excellent Ping level, ideal for playing online games.
- 30 - 50ms: Average Ping level, also ideal for playing online games.
- 50 - 100ms: A bit slow, don't notice the delay when browsing the web but affects gaming.
- 100 - 500ms: Ping is slow, has a small impact on web browsing, creates a certain lag when playing games.
- Over 500ms: Actions you perform will be significantly delayed. High latency will affect the outcome of the game.

II. What is Ping Test?

In the context of computer networks, Ping refers to a method of transferring data between 2 computers or devices. So, Ping test is used to record the time it takes for data packets to reach the destination address and whether any data packets are lost in the process.

Ping testing is not the same as testing network speed. Speed ​​test gives you results about the connection speed at the time you conduct the test. Meanwhile, Ping test (or Ping test) checks whether the connection between two devices on the network is made or not; ping does not determine connection speed. Unlike the results of an Internet speed test, you want your Ping results to be as low as possible.

III. How to test Ping on computer

1. Test Ping on Windows

To test Ping on Windows, you do not need to install any 3rd party software, just use Command Prompt with the following steps:

Step 1: On Windows, press the Windows + R key combination to open the Run dialog box . Then, enter cmd and press Enter. Another way to open Command Prompt is to enter the keyword cmd into Windows Search and select Command Prompt from the search results.

Step 2: Next, enter the ping IP address or ping web URL command . The article tests ping of the TipsMake website with the command ping TipsMake . Then, press Enter.

Step 3: Wait for Ping test results.

2. Test Ping on macOS

You can test network Ping on your Mac using the Network Utility app.

Step 1: Search for Network Utility by entering network utility in the Spotlight search box .
Step 2: In the Network Utility window , click the Ping tab.

Step 3: Enter the IP address or website URL in the Enter the network that you want to ping field and click the Ping button.

Step 4: Wait for Ping test results.

3. How to read Ping test results

Ping results will show you the ping time in milliseconds (ms) and statistical information about sent, received, and lost packets, including percentage packet loss as well as time breakdown. Minimum, maximum and average Ping response time.

- If the result returns with a low time (ms), it means your network is fast and vice versa.
- If the ping test fails, you will see an error warning similar to one of the following, instead of the Ping test result shown in the screenshot above:
+ Request timed out
+ Destination host unreachable
+ Transmit failed, error code #

At this point, you may need to troubleshoot your Internet connection.

A ping test is used to measure latency, telling you the stability of the connection between your computer and a host or other device on the network. Thus, the article has shared with you some information you need to know about Ping, as well as showing you how to check Ping on Windows and Mac.

David Pac

Update 15 June 2024