Networking Bible

Chapter 31. Network Diagnostic Commands

IN THIS CHAPTER

• Command line interface network management

• How network commands isolate faults

• Command shells

• Telnet, NetShell, and PowerShell

This chapter focuses on the various command line tools for diagnosing network problems, determining network conditions, and modifying different network parameters. These tools allow you to sequentially test individual network components, continually narrowing down the range of potential problems until the malfunctioning part or system is located.

Command shells have been a part of computer technology since time immemorial. They remain popular with users and network administrators alike, as they allow for both powerful network command and control, as well as a lightweight environment in which testing may be done. The various command shells or command line interfaces (CLIs) used for network management are described. Many of these shells are not only single command line processors but can also run small programs or scripts. As an example of the use of the CLI in testing and isolating faults, the use of PING and IPCONFIG to test a broken Internet connection is described.

This chapter presents a collection of network-related commands for the most widely used shells in Linux, Windows, and UNIX, as well as their description and syntax. The syntax shown is a sample that varies slightly, depending upon the platform involved.

Windows NetShell's NET commands have been used since Windows NT to manage network elements. At ...