Which command in Linux would you use to troubleshoot network connection issues?

Using the ping command is an effective way to troubleshoot network connection issues because it allows you to check the reachability of a host on a network. When you execute this command, it sends ICMP (Internet Control Message Protocol) Echo Request packets to the specified IP address or hostname. If the target host is reachable, it responds with ICMP Echo Reply packets. This process helps determine if there is connectivity between your machine and the remote host, and it can also provide information about the round-trip time for the packets.

The ping command is particularly useful for diagnosing issues such as network outages, firewall configurations, or hostname resolution problems. A consistent failure to receive replies indicates a potential problem at either the local or remote end, helping in pinpointing where troubleshooting efforts should focus.

In contrast, while the other options like traceroute and ipconfig are also useful networking tools, they serve different purposes. Traceroute is designed to track the path packets take to reach a destination, which can help identify where delays occur along the route. Ipconfig, primarily used in Windows environments, displays network configuration details rather than testing connectivity. The ls command is used for listing files and directories in Linux, which is unrelated to network troubleshooting.