TCP/IP Troubleshooting Utilities
Kenn's
19980409: TCP/IP Troubleshooting Utilities
April/1998
Tech
Notes
Tech Note #9
Search IP allows you to look up DNS information for any IP address. While "pinging" will tell you the IP address for an IP name, sometimes you have the address but need the name. Setting up a personal web server, for example. Whether the server's address is allocated dynamically or statically, you can obtain the address from WINIPCFG, and then use Search IP to find out what its host name is according to DNS. Remember, regardless of what host name is entered on the server in question, the only IP name which can be used by other hosts to connect to that server is that which is registered in DNS. Search IP will tell you what that name is.
The latest version of Search IP is available from the author's home page. We have version 2.1 on the shop server, in the programs directory.
TcpSpeed is a handy way to speed-test your Internet connection. It runs a high-bandwidth packet send/receive test for twelve seconds, and tells you the peak and average data transfer rates achieved. From my workstation in Prince Charles, TcpSpeed showed an average transfer rate of 8,021 bytes/sec to wsd1.org, 7,258 bytes/sec to mbnet.mb.ca, and 7,137 bytes/sec to w3.org. The first measurement indicates transfer speed available via the line that connects Prince Charles to the administration building, the second shows the speed available from PCERC through the admin router and out to MBnet, and the third shows the speed from PCERC all the way out to a distant host on the Internet.
Three things to be aware of when using this utility:
a) Measurements are dependent on network traffic and routing. Over the space of a few minutes I tried w3.org a few times. Measurements fluctuated from less than 4 kB/s to better than 7 kB/s. One trial to dlink.com was better than 8 kB/s!
b) Although the application asks for a "host name", it requires a domain name, and not all domains can be metered. I recommend using wsd1.org and mbnet.mb.ca. This will tell you everything you need to know about your Internet connection.
c) This is a high-bandwidth app. It only runs for twelve seconds at a time, and for those twelve seconds you are maxing out the connection from your school to the admin building. Do not overuse this software.
The latest version of TcpSpeed is available from the Maximized Software website. We have version 1.01 on the shop server in the programs directory.
DISCLAIMER: This document is intended for the reference of computer support personnel within Winnipeg School Division No. 1. There is no warranty or liability if procedures recommended here have an adverse affect on any systems. Use them at your own risk. Any trademarks mentioned are the property of their owners, none of whom have certified any information provided here. Opinions expressed here are personal only and do not represent the policy of Winnipeg School Division No. 1 or any other organization anywhere.
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