Quick Answer
The answer is the tracert command. This tool is the correct choice for troubleshooting path and delay issues because it sends Internet Control Message Protocol (ICMP) echo requests with incrementally increasing Time to Live (TTL) values, forcing each router along the route to reply and reveal its identity and response time. On the CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1201 exam, this question tests your ability to select the right network diagnostic utility for verifying the hop-by-hop path and pinpointing latency or failure points, often contrasting it with ping (which only tests end-to-end reachability) or pathping (which combines tracert and ping but takes longer). A common trap is confusing tracert with nslookup, which resolves names but does not trace routes. To remember it, think “Trace the Route” — both start with “T” and “R,” and the command shows each hop like a breadcrumb trail from your computer to the server.
This 220-1201 practice question tests your understanding of networking tools. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
You are troubleshooting a network issue where a user cannot access a specific server. You need to verify the path that packets take from the user's computer to the server and identify where delays occur. Which command-line tool should you use?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "which command"
Why it matters: Tests specific CLI syntax. Recall the exact command and its required context — near-synonyms and partial matches are common distractors.
ping
Why wrong: Ping tests connectivity to a host but does not show the path or per-hop delays.
ipconfig
Why wrong: Ipconfig displays local network configuration, not the path to a remote server.
tracert
Tracert sends packets with increasing TTL values to map the route and measure latency at each hop.
nslookup
Why wrong: Nslookup queries DNS servers for name resolution, not routing paths.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
tracert
This question tests knowledge of network diagnostic commands. Tracert (or traceroute) shows the route packets take and measures latency at each hop, helping to pinpoint where delays or failures occur.
Key principle: NAT direction and interface roles matter as much as the IP address mapping. Inside/outside designation controls which traffic is translated.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
ping
Why it's wrong here
Ping tests connectivity to a host but does not show the path or per-hop delays.
ipconfig
Why it's wrong here
Ipconfig displays local network configuration, not the path to a remote server.
tracert
Why this is correct
Tracert sends packets with increasing TTL values to map the route and measure latency at each hop.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "which command" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
nslookup
Why it's wrong here
Nslookup queries DNS servers for name resolution, not routing paths.
Common exam traps
NAT is not only about the public address. The inside/outside interface roles and the ACL or rule that matches traffic are just as important.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
Ping tests connectivity to a host but does not show the path or per-hop delays.
Detailed technical explanation
NAT questions usually test address translation, overload/PAT behaviour, static mappings and whether the right traffic is being translated. Read the interface direction and address terms carefully.
Key takeaway
NAT direction and interface roles matter as much as the IP address mapping. Inside/outside designation controls which traffic is translated.
Real-world example
A small business has 20 workstations on the 192.168.1.0/24 network and one public IP from its ISP. The router uses PAT (NAT overload) so all 20 devices share one public address using different source ports. NAT questions test whether you understand the four address terms and which direction each translation applies.
What to study next
Review the four NAT address types (inside local, inside global, outside local, outside global), PAT port overload, and static vs dynamic NAT use cases. Then practise related 220-1201 NAT questions on configuration and troubleshooting.
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FAQ
Networking Tools — This question tests Networking Tools — Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address..
The correct answer is: tracert — This question tests knowledge of network diagnostic commands. Tracert (or traceroute) shows the route packets take and measures latency at each hop, helping to pinpoint where delays or failures occur.
Review the four NAT address types (inside local, inside global, outside local, outside global), PAT port overload, and static vs dynamic NAT use cases. Then practise related 220-1201 NAT questions on configuration and troubleshooting.
Yes — watch for: "which command". Tests specific CLI syntax. Recall the exact command and its required context — near-synonyms and partial matches are common distractors.
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
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Same concept, more angles
These questions test the same concept from different angles. Work through them to make sure you can recognise it however the exam phrases it.
Variation 1. A server administrator reports that a critical server is unreachable from the network. The technician can ping the server's IP address from the local subnet but not from a remote subnet. Which command-line tool should be used to identify where packets are being dropped along the path?
mediumWhy B: Tracert (or traceroute) sends packets with increasing TTL values to map the route and show where hops fail, pinpointing the router or firewall dropping packets. Ping only tests end-to-end reachability, netstat shows active connections, and pathping combines ping and tracert but is slower.
Last reviewed: Jun 18, 2026
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