SolarWinds Traceroute NG review
A free Windows command-line tracer for continuous path, latency, and packet-loss analysis.
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
SolarWinds Traceroute NG is a standalone, free Windows command-line diagnostic tool for network administrators and IT professionals. It traces a single path from source to destination, showing hops, IP addresses, hostnames, packet loss, and latency. The tool is designed for desktop use and runs from a command prompt, making it suited to focused path troubleshooting rather than broad network administration.
The published Free plan costs nothing and includes network path analysis, continuous probing, TCP and ICMP tracing, IPv4 and IPv6 support, and text-file logging. Its strongest capability is ongoing path visibility: continuous probes can identify path changes, while packet-loss and latency reporting helps distinguish route changes from performance issues. DNS lookup can be enabled or disabled, and results can be copied to the clipboard for sharing or follow-up analysis.
Platform fit is the main boundary. Traceroute NG supports Windows 8, Windows 8.1, Windows 10, Windows Server 2012 R2, and Windows Server 2016, with deployment centered on a Windows desktop and command prompt. Its single-path design keeps the diagnostic focus clear, but organizations needing broader platform coverage or a different operating model should look elsewhere. Choose it when a no-cost Windows utility for recurring TCP and ICMP path checks is the priority; consider an alternative when multi-platform operation or a graphical workflow matters more.
SolarWinds Traceroute NG pros and cons
- Where it wins
- Continuous TCP and ICMP probing with path-change notifications
- IPv4/IPv6 support with latency and packet-loss reporting
- Free desktop tool with text-file logging and DNS controls
- Where it doesn't
- Windows-only coverage limits cross-platform use
- Analyzes one path from source to destination at a time
- Command-line operation may not suit users seeking a graphical interface
SolarWinds Traceroute NG fact sheet, pricing and score →
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