What is Ping? Definition, Uses, Features and More (2023)

Definition

In the computer field, the concept of ping considers a command tool that allows you to verify the status of a specific connection of the localhost.

A local host with at least one remote device contemplated in a TCP / IP type network, Concerning the data mentioned above verification, it surprises the great utility it has.

because, it can be used both for what are the well-known TCP / IP protocols, the local network.

And also, in the network adapter, the DNS type servers (Domain Name System) and the Internet connection.

Uses

From the ping command, a series of information sent to another remote computer, and the response awaits.

In brief, it shows the statistics of your work, indicating answers for many packages and how long the response took.

Therefore, offers the possibility of knowing the condition, speed, and quality of a network.

This tool, which runs from multiple operating systems, includes in the Internet Control Message Protocol (ICMP).

Individually we can establish that ping uses primarily in Windows system devices and also in those of GNU Linux.

Computer experts say that, when executing a request ping, a process begins that begins with the sending by the local host of an ICMP type message included in an IP packet.

This request for a request will also consist of an identification number and a series of 32-bit digits that must match the ICMP legend obtained in response.

Usually, the ping utility is in knowing what the response speed is or how long it takes to exchange packets. That is why the concept of ping uses a synonym for the delay in a network connection.

It allows you to get the IP address of a host, know if a host exists, or is responding.

And also, find out how long it takes for a host to respond to a request (which can diagnose a user connection or network congestion problem).

In addition, to underline the existence of other terms that borrows the word ping.

for example,  the death ping attack sent to a computer.

An attack that consists of sending a large number of large ICMP packets to this with the clear objective that this system will collapse.

Features

Ping is the abbreviation for Packet Internet Groper and network management worldwide widely uses diagnostic tools.

It allows us to verify the connection status of the computers that are part of a computer network.

To achieve its goal, it sends packets from one computer to another, waiting for a response. And to diagnose the complete state of the connection and its speed.

To achieve its objective, it uses the ICMP protocol, which diagnoses the transmission of data from one device to another.

Running a Ping

To run a Ping, we have to locate ourselves in the computer console, whether we are in Windows or Linux. Once with the console active, we execute the statement:

ping IP_address_address

Where the “IP address of the equipment evaluates” it studies the address of the equipment.

The execution of the sentence is simple. And, in many cases, the name of the destination computer can be used.

but, it is always advisable to use its IP address.

How a Ping works

The Ping works as follows: The source machine sends an echo request to a destination machine. The destination machine receives the request and sends a response to the source machine.

And, also to the information displayed on the console screen.