What this tool shows
Traceroute maps the sequence of routers a packet passes through on its way to a destination. Each hop shows its address and the time it took to reach it, so you can see exactly where latency is added or where a path stalls. Running it from several regions at once reveals whether a slowdown is local to one network or affects everyone.
Frequently asked questions
Why do some hops show stars or no response?
Some routers are configured not to reply to the probes traceroute uses. That is normal and does not mean the path is broken. The hops on either side still show where traffic is flowing.
Why does latency jump at one hop?
A jump usually marks a long physical link, such as crossing an ocean, or a congested router. If every later hop stays high after the jump, that hop is likely where the delay is introduced.
Why run it from multiple regions?
A route that is fast from one country can be slow from another. Tracing from several vantage points tells you whether a problem is specific to one network or global.