Tracing Your Route

OK, this probably isn't the most useful tip ever, but it is kind of interesting.

Using the tip below, we can "trace" an internet connection. You'd be surprised how many hops it takes just to get to a web site. Your request may be handed off to dozens of different places before you actually reach your virtual destination. Usually this trick is used for trouble shooting by network administrator types, but it's also a good way to get a "behind the scenes" look at the way the internet works.

For instance, let's say you want to see how many "hops" it takes to get to our site, WorldStart.com. You'd do as follows:

1. First you'll need to get to command line. So, hit the Start button, Run. Then type in the word "Command" (no quotes) and click OK.

2. OK, you should be looking at a black & white DOS window. Type in:

tracert http://www.worldstart.com

And hit Enter (no mousing around in DOS).

Now just sit back and watch all the little hops it takes just to get to a web site! (all those numbers followed by the "ms" are milliseconds). Each numbered line represents a hop from one server / router to another.

In the picture below, you can see that it took 8 hops to get from my ISP to the WorldStart web site.

Try it with a couple of your favorite sites. This tip is especially fun to do when there's someone else around who knows nothing about computers. Just look at the numbers as they pop up and say things like, "Hmm, I see" or "Ahh, that's the problem". Anyhow...

When you're done, just type Exit and hit Enter.

Who knew it took so much to get from one place to another huh? Well, at least we didn't have to pack up the kids for this little trip...

Posted in: Internet Tips