What does the Ping command do in network troubleshooting?

The Ping command is a fundamental tool used in network troubleshooting primarily to determine the reachability of a host on an IP network. It operates by sending Internet Control Message Protocol (ICMP) echo request packets to the target IP address and listens for an echo reply. This process allows users to verify that the target device is reachable and to assess the round-trip time for packets sent to that device.

The number of packets sent and received can provide insights into network performance issues. For example, if packets are lost, that might indicate a problem with connectivity or the network's performance. Using Ping can also help diagnose whether a device is active and whether a path exists between the source and destination on the network.

The other choices do not fully describe the primary function of the Ping command. While measures related to bandwidth, domain name resolution, and encryption are all important aspects of networking, they do not specifically pertain to the core purpose of what Ping achieves in troubleshooting connectivity.