What are best practices for using ping command?

# Example of using the ping command
ping -c 4 google.com
    

When using the ping command, consider the following best practices:

• Limit the number of packets: Use the -c option to specify the number of packets to send, preventing network congestion.
• Specify a timeout: Use the -W option to set a timeout for each reply. This helps you avoid long waits for unresponsive hosts.
• Use interval timings: Modify the interval between packets using the -i option, especially when testing high-latency connections.
• Check DNS resolution: Ping both the hostname and the IP address to differentiate between name resolution issues and connectivity problems.
• Analyze packet loss: Monitor for any packet loss or high latency to understand the network's performance better.
• Test specific ports: If you suspect an application issue, consider using ping in combination with other network tools to check specific ports.