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| 3.3 |  | Windows and Cisco Commands for Physical Layer Information Gathering |
| 3.3.2 |  | End-system commands – Windows only |

For Windows end systems, the user often queries a network connection at the MS-DOS command prompt. By entering commands at the DOS command prompt, or by using the Run window in the Start menu, a user can establish whether a connection is present with other network devices. Also the path that data takes to reach the destination can be determined, which can be used to verify multiple links and also the reliability of any connection.

The ipconfig /all command is a simple way to check connectivity on a Windows NT/2000/XP system. It will identify the host MAC address, DNS, DHCP, NT and WINS servers that the host is attached to if it has physical connectivity.

The tracert command can be used to test connectivity to a destination device. It will enable a user to map the route taken on the way to the destination.

The winipcfg command is used in older version of 9x Windows up to Me. As the name suggests winipcfg will show the Windows IP configuration information.