IP-layer diagnostic tools
IP diagnostics is still a developing area. Much reliance is
usually placed on basic IP diagnostic utilities such as
Ping and Traceroute. However, the effective use of such
tools requires high levels of skill, which is unrealistic for
a mass-market product. The inherent unpredictability of
an IP network also makes it difficult to draw definitive
conclusions from such tests.
Some companies are now developing easier-to-use
IP diagnostic tools that are aimed at mass-market or
‘telco-scale’ users. However, the widespread adoption
of such tools has not really started.