What is the primary function of the Tracert tool?

• A. To test network speed
• B. To trace the route of network packets
• C. To display network configuration
• D. To monitor bandwidth usage

Answer: (B)

The primary function of the Tracert tool is to trace the route of network packets from the source to a specified destination. This tool works by sending a series of packets with increasing Time to Live (TTL) values, which determines the lifespan of the packet in the network. As each packet passes through a router, the TTL value is decremented until it reaches zero, prompting the router to send back a "Time Exceeded" message. This process allows Tracert to identify each hop (router) along the path to the destination address, providing valuable information about the route taken, the response times of each hop, and potential points of delay or loss in the network. This capability is essential for network troubleshooting and understanding how data travels across networks.