Broadband Guides » How to traceroute

This guide will explain how to traceroute.

• Microsoft Windows Users
• Mac Users
• Linux Users

 

Microsoft Windows Users

Open the command prompt - this can normally be achieved two ways:

1. Click Start Menu » click Run » type cmd » click OK

2. Click Start Menu » select All Programs » select Accessories » select Command Prompt

Then at the prompt type tracert bbc.co.uk and press enter (with bbc.co.uk being the host you wish to trace to)

You can then paste the results from your clipboard by right clicking and selecting Paste or using CTRL+V.

 

Mac Users

Methods vary depending on the OS version so here are the two most common methods:

• Using the Network Utility (OS X)
1. Click Finder in the dock » click Macintosh HD in the window
2. Click Applications » click Utilities » double-click Network Utility
3. Click the Traceroute tab » enter the host you wish to traceroute to » click Trace



• Using the Terminal
1. Click Finder in the dock » click Macintosh HD in the window
2. Click Applications » click Utilities » double-click Terminal
3. Type traceroute bbc.co.uk and press enter (where bbc.co.uk is the host you wish to trace to)

 

Linux Users

Location will vary on distribution however look through your menu for Shell, terminal, console or Konsole. Then at the command:-

1. Type traceroute bbc.co.uk and press enter (where bbc.co.uk is the host you wish to trace to)