Mastering Network Diagnostics
Understanding network performance is crucial for maintaining smooth operations. Tools like MTR and Traceroute provide detailed insights into the path packets take, helping you pinpoint exactly where latency or packet loss occurs.
| Reading Time | Difficulty | Last Updated |
|---|
| 8 minutes | Intermediate | January 2026 |
Quick Navigation
| Section | What You’ll Learn |
|---|
| MTR on Windows | Using WinMTR for graphical diagnostics |
| MTR on Linux | Using terminal-based MTR tools |
| Interpreting Reports | Understanding loss, sent, and latency metrics |
| Traceroute Guide | Using the standard tracert command |
Troubleshooting with WinMTR (Windows)
Generating the Report
- Install WinMTR: Download WinMTR from the official GitHub repository. Extract the ZIP and run the executable.
- Enter the Destination: In the Host field, enter your server’s IP address or domain name.
- Start the Trace: Click Start. Let it run for at least 50-100 packets for accurate data.
- Analyze Results: View real-time statistics of each hop between your computer and the server.
Troubleshooting with MTR (Linux)
Generating the Report
- Install MTR: Use your package manager to install the tool.
sudo apt-get install mtr # Debian/Ubuntu
sudo yum install mtr # CentOS/RHEL
- Run the Trace: Launch MTR towards your destination.
- Report Mode: To generate a static report for support, use:
mtr -rw -c 100 example.com > mtr_report.txt
Interpreting an MTR Report
| Metric | Description | What to Look For |
|---|
| Loss% | Percentage of packets lost | Consistent loss across multiple hops indicates a real issue. |
| Sent | Total packets dispatched | Ensure enough packets (50+) were sent for a valid sample. |
| Last/Avg | Round-trip time (ms) | Significant jumps in latency between two hops indicate the source of lag. |
| Worst | Highest latency recorded | Helps identify intermittent “spikes” in connection. |
Using Traceroute (tracert)
Traceroute is a standard tool built into most operating systems to see the path to a server.
- Open your Command Prompt (CMD) or Terminal.
- Run the command:
- Note: Exclude any port numbers (e.g., use
191.96.94.100 not 191.96.94.100:25565).
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Last Updated: January 2026 | Expert Tip: Run diagnostics during peak lag times for best results.