8 Console Commands to Configure Networking in Windows

1. PING

PING is one of the basic and most useful CMD commands. It displays the quality of the connection, shows whether your computer can send data to the target IP address, and if so, at what speed.

Here's an example of using the command:

The command operates according to the following principle: it sends a certain number of data packets and determines how many of them came back. If some of them have not returned, she reports the loss. Packet loss leads to poor gaming and webcasting performance. This is a great way to test your internet connection.

By default, the command sends four packets with a timeout of four seconds for each. You can increase the number of packages as follows:


ping www.google.com -n 10

You can also increase the timeout duration (the value is displayed in milliseconds):


ping www.google.com -w 6000

2. TRACERT

TRACERT stands for Trace Route. Like PING, the command sends out a data packet to solve network problems. However, it does not determine the speed of sending and returning a packet, but its route.

Usage example:

The command displays a list of all routers through which data passes on the way to the end node. Why do we see three duration metrics for each router? Because TRACERT sends three data packets in case one of the routers gets lost or for some reason takes too long.

3. PATHPING

PATHPING is similar to TRACERT, but it is more informative and therefore takes longer to execute. It analyzes the route of the data packets and determines at which intermediate nodes the loss occurred.

Usage example:

4. IPCONFIG

This command is most commonly used to debug networks on Windows. And the point is not only in the amount of information it provides, but also in the fact that it is combined with several keys to execute certain commands.

Usage example:

When entered without keys, IPCONFIG reflects all the network adapters on your computer, as well as how they work. IPv4 Addres and Default Gateway contain the most important information.

To flush the DNS cache, use the following key:


ipconfig / flushdns

This operation can help if the Internet is working, but you cannot get to some sites or servers.

5. GETMAC

Each IEEE 802 compliant device has a unique MAC (Media Access Control) address. The manufacturer assigns each piece of equipment its own address, which is registered in the device itself.

Usage example:

You may see multiple MAC addresses depending on how many network adapters are installed on your computer. For example, Wi-Fi and Ethernet internet connections will have separate MAC addresses.

6. NSLOOKUP

NSLOOKUP stands for Name Server Lookup. The potential of this utility is huge, but most people don't need it. For ordinary users, only the ability to determine the IP address of a domain name is important.

Usage example:

Keep in mind that some domains are not tied to the same IP address, which means that you will receive a different address each time you enter a command. This is quite normal for large sites because they are loaded from a huge number of computers.

If you want to convert an IP address to a domain name, just enter it into your browser and you will see where it goes. However, not all IP addresses lead to domain names. Many of them cannot be reached through a web browser.

7. NETSTAT

This utility is a tool for collecting statistics, analysis and diagnostics. It is quite complex if you use its full potential (for example, configure the local network of an enterprise).

Usage example:

By default, the command shows all active connections on your system. An active connection does not mean that data is being exchanged. It only indicates that a port is open somewhere, and the device is ready to connect.

The command also has several keys that change the type of information displayed. For example, the -r switch will display the routing tables.