the internet has a service called the domain name service (dns), which allows users to enter an easily remembered host name, such as www.linksys.com, instead of numerical tcp/ip addresses to access internet resources. the router’s dns name lookup tool will return the numerical tcp/ip address of a host name.
the ping test bounces a packet off a machine on the internet back to the sender. this test shows if the router is able to contact the remote host. if users on the lan are having problems accessing services on the internet, try pinging the dns server or other machine at the isp’s location. if this test is successful, try pinging devices outside the isp. this will show if the problem lies with the isp’s connection.
select which tool you want to use, dns name lookup or ping.
dns name lookup
before using this tool, make sure the ip address of the dns server is entered on the network page of the setup tab; otherwise, this tool will not work.
enter the host name in the look up the name field, and click the go button. (do not add the prefix http:// or else you will get an error message.) the router will then query the dns server and display the result at the bottom of the screen.
ping
before using this tool make sure you know the device or host’s ip address. if you do not know it, use the router’s dns name lookup tool to find the ip address.
in the ping host or ip address field, enter the ip address of the device being pinged, and click the go button. the test will take a few seconds to complete. when completed, the router will display the results at the bottom of the screen. the results include this information: number of packets transmitted, received, or lost, as well as round trip time (minimum, maximum, and average).