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Connectivity tests

Speed tests

Most of the tests below are for Time Warner Cable divisions (Road Runner is their cable-based Internet service).  Seems each division has its own test!  Some TWC divisions sell RR through Bright House.

Other connectivity tests

The following are "DOS" commands.  You must use the Windows Command Prompt (Start > Run > Cmd) to run these.

  • ping:  to see if you can reach a site, and how long it takes to do so.  It also provides the IP address of the site if you are using a site name.  Usually sends four test messages of 32 bytes.  Note that some sites block this (e.g. Microsoft).  Examples: ping www.yahoo.com, ping -t www.yahoo.com. You will see Request timed out for a site that took too long to reach, or that it is blocked.
  • tracert:  (trace route) A far more comprehensive test of getting to a site.  As with ping, this command sends a packet of 32 bytes to the designated site.  It tries three times.  Unlike ping, it provides the times for the different hops along the way, listing them for each of the three tests (in three columns).  Timeouts are shown with a *.  The IP addresses for each hop are shown with the times.  Typically, it will take around 15 hops to get to a site.  This command is a bit slow.  Examples: tracert www.yahoo.com, tracert -d www.yahoo.com
  • ipconfig:  not really a connectivity test.  Gives info about your own computer's connectivity.  The IP address will only be useful if you are not in a LAN of some sort.  Otherwise, 10.xx.xx.xx addresses are typically local addresses.  169.xx.xx.xx addresses usually signify a lack of a connection – check your cables, modem, etc.!

Connectivity debugging

Good site with lots of info!