Windows
Linux
Networking
Windows tracert equivalent in Linux
Shows each network hop between your machine and a destination, helping diagnose where connections slow down or fail.
Windows
→
tracert
Linux equivalents
traceroute
traceroute
traceroute
Overview
What this command does
Shows each network hop between your machine and a destination, helping diagnose where connections slow down or fail.
Migration tip: Linux also has
tracepath which doesn't require root and is often pre-installed. For a combined ping+trace tool, try mtr — it's fantastic.Practical tasks
Common use cases
Trace network route to host
Shows each network hop between your machine and a destination, helping diagnose where connections slow down or fail.
traceroute -n
Don't resolve hostnames (faster)
traceroute -m 20
Max 20 hops
tracepath
Similar but doesn't need root access
Ready to run
Copyable Linux commands
Review paths, device names, package names and permissions before running any command.
traceroute google.com
traceroute -n google.com
tracepath google.com
mtr google.com
Walkthrough
Examples with explanations
# Windows: tracert google.com
traceroute google.com # trace the route
traceroute -n google.com # faster, skip DNS lookups
tracepath google.com # alternative, no root needed
mtr google.com # live updating trace (best tool)Reference
Common options and variations
| Command or option | Use |
|---|---|
traceroute -n | Don't resolve hostnames (faster) |
traceroute -m 20 | Max 20 hops |
tracepath | Similar but doesn't need root access |
mtr google.com | Interactive live trace (install with apt) |
Distro differences
Debian/Ubuntu vs Fedora vs Arch
This command is the same on Debian/Ubuntu, Fedora and Arch Linux when the relevant tool is installed.
| Distribution | Package manager / base | Equivalent command | Difference to notice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Debian/Ubuntu | same command | traceroute |
Same command on this distribution. |
| Fedora | same command | traceroute |
Same command on this distribution. |
| Arch | same command | traceroute |
Same command on this distribution. |
Keep learning