Traceroute reveals every router (hop) a packet crosses between our server and your target. Each row shows the hop number, the router's IP or hostname, and three latency probes. It's the best way to pinpoint where a connection slows down, breaks, or routes through unexpected networks.
Enter a hostname or IP and watch the path materialise. Rows with asterisks (* * *) mean that hop didn't reply to the probe — often intentional on security-hardened routers; not necessarily a failure.
How to interpret the output
- A sudden latency jump between two consecutive hops often identifies the congested link.
- Asterisks at the end usually mean the destination itself filters ICMP — the path is fine.
- The last responding hop when you hit a timeout points at where the packet stops reaching.
FAQ
Why do some hops show * * *? Many ISPs rate-limit or drop ICMP Time Exceeded messages to reduce traffic. The packet still passes; you just don't see that hop.
How many hops is normal? A typical path over the public internet is 10–20 hops. More than 25–30 is unusual and often indicates an MPLS tunnel or sub-optimal routing.
Can I traceroute an IP address? Yes. Traceroute accepts both hostnames and IPv4 or IPv6 addresses.