Traceroute (HTTP path)
Real ICMP traceroute can't run from a browser, so this tool explains why and traces the HTTP redirect path of a URL instead.
Quick answer: Real ICMP traceroute can't run from a browser, so this tool explains why and traces the HTTP redirect path of a URL instead.
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Frequently asked questions
- What is traceroute?
- A network diagnostic that lists every router (hop) between you and a destination by sending packets with increasing TTL values and watching where they expire.
- Why doesn't traceroute work in the browser?
- Real traceroute needs raw sockets and the ability to set IP-level options (TTL). Browsers expose neither for security reasons.
- What does a hop mean?
- Each router along the path is a hop. The first hop is your home router, the last is the destination's gateway.
- What does * * * mean in a traceroute?
- A router silently dropped or rate-limited the probe. Many ISPs deprioritize ICMP, which produces stars without meaning the path is actually broken.
- What's the difference between traceroute and ping?
- Ping measures latency to one endpoint. Traceroute breaks that path into the per-hop latency, so you can see WHERE the latency or packet loss appears.
- How do I find where latency comes from?
- Look at the per-hop RTT in a real traceroute on your terminal. The hop where RTT jumps significantly is likely the source.
- Why do providers block ICMP?
- ICMP is a low priority for routers and is often used to amplify DoS attacks. Many networks rate-limit or block it without affecting normal traffic.
- What is packet loss?
- Packets that left your machine but never arrived. A small amount (under 1%) is usually benign; sustained 2%+ loss kills VoIP and gaming.
- What is MTU?
- Maximum Transmission Unit — the largest packet size a link can carry without fragmentation. The internet standard is 1500 bytes; some VPNs and tunnels are smaller.
- Which tools can I use locally for a real traceroute?
- macOS/Linux: traceroute or mtr. Windows: tracert. The cross-platform mtr/winmtr combines traceroute and ping for live, continuous monitoring.