Definition: Traceroute is a utility program that monitors the network path of test data sent to a remote computer. On Unix and Linux computers, the "traceroute" application is available in the shell, while on Windows computers, the "tracert" program can be accessed from DOS.
Traceroute programs take the name or IP address of a remote computer on the command line. When run, traceroute sends a series test messages over the network (using ICMP) to each intermediate router progressing until the last message finally reaches its destination. When finished, traceroute displays the ordered list of routers that represent the path from that computer to the destination.
