Traceroute Tool
Trace network path and identify routing issues with detailed hop analysis!
What is Traceroute?
Traceroute is a network diagnostic tool that traces the path packets take from your computer to a destination server. It reveals every router (hop) along the route, showing IP addresses, hostnames, and latency at each step.
Our Traceroute Tool provides detailed analysis of network paths, helping you identify routing issues, network bottlenecks, geographic routing, and latency sources. Essential for network troubleshooting and performance optimization.
How Traceroute Works
Traceroute Output Explained
| Field | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Hop Number | Sequential router position | 1, 2, 3... |
| IP Address | Router's IP address | 192.168.1.1 |
| Hostname | Router's DNS name | gateway.isp.net |
| Latency (ms) | Round-trip time to hop | 12ms, 15ms, 13ms |
| * * * | Request timed out | Router didn't respond |
| Location | Geographic location | London, UK |
| ISP/ASN | Network operator | Level 3 (AS3356) |
Common Use Cases
🔍 Network Troubleshooting
Identify where packet loss or high latency occurs in the network path.
🗺️ Route Mapping
Visualize geographic path your data takes across the internet.
🚧 Bottleneck Detection
Find routers causing delays or performance degradation.
🌐 ISP Performance
Analyze routing efficiency and identify ISP network issues.
🔐 Security Analysis
Verify traffic routes through expected networks and regions.
⚡ CDN Verification
Confirm CDN edge servers are serving content correctly.
Understanding Hop Latency
Related Network Tools
🌍 Different Locations Ping
Test ping from 12 global locations.
🟢 Server Status Checker
Monitor server uptime and response.
🗺️ IP Location
Geolocation lookup for IP addresses.
🌐 DNS Propagation
Check DNS across global servers.
📚 Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does "* * *" mean in traceroute?
A: Three asterisks mean the router didn't respond within the timeout period. This is common - many routers are configured to not respond to ICMP packets for security or performance reasons.
Q: How many hops is normal?
A: Typically 8-15 hops for most internet destinations. Local networks might have 2-5 hops, while international routes could have 15-20+ hops depending on geographic distance.
Q: Why does latency sometimes decrease at later hops?
A: This can happen when intermediate routers are busy and slower to respond, or when later hops use faster, more direct network paths. The displayed latency is to each hop, not cumulative.
Q: Can traceroute show the return path?
A: No, traceroute only shows the path TO the destination. The return path may be completely different due to asymmetric routing on the internet.
Q: What is a hop in networking?
A: A hop is each router or gateway that packets pass through on their journey from source to destination. Each hop represents one step in the network path.
Q: Is this traceroute tool free?
A: Yes! Completely free with unlimited traces. Get detailed hop information including IP, hostname, location, ISP, ASN, and latency measurements.
🛣️ Trace Network Routes Now!
Use our free Traceroute Tool to trace network paths, identify bottlenecks, and troubleshoot routing issues. Get detailed hop-by-hop analysis with latency measurements.
More tools: Global Ping • Server Status • DNS Propagation 🎯