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VPS: Detect Network Issues with WinMTR/MTR

Discover how to diagnose network problems by analyzing outbound and return paths to improve connection stability and performance β†’ Learn more now

10 November 202614 min read24 Views0 helpful

Introduction

Network issues can be really frustrating and are definitely not part of everyday life. But when they occur, it's important to quickly and effectively find the cause to resolve the problem. You can analyze detailed information about network problems very well with the WinMTR (Windows) or MTR (Linux/Mac OS) app.

WinMTR/MTR is a network diagnostic tool that combines the functions of Ping and Traceroute. It allows you to analyze both the outbound path (Client β†’ Server) and the return path (Server β†’ Client) precisely by tracking the route of data packets in both directions. Important information such as latency and packet loss is recorded, which is crucial for accurately identifying and resolving network issues.

Outbound path (Client β†’ Server): A report for the outbound path is helpful when problems like connection drops, slow connections, or difficulties establishing a connection occur. This analysis helps identify possible issues on the way from the client to the server, such as network congestion, packet loss, or faulty routes.

Return path (Server β†’ Client): A report for the return path only makes sense if a stable and functioning connection on the outbound path has been confirmed. The return path report is especially relevant when the outbound path shows no problems but issues like slow server responses, delayed loading times, or incomplete data transfers still occur.

In short: If you notice network problems, you should first analyze the outbound path (Client β†’ Server). If the outbound report shows no anomalies and the problems persist, check the return path (Server β†’ Client) to find possible asymmetric issues. Asymmetric network problems occur when data packets flow smoothly in one direction but experience delays or packet loss in the opposite direction.

Installation

Now that it's clear when reports for inbound and outbound paths are useful, let's continue with the installation on both client and server sides.

Client

For the outbound path, the app must be installed on the client (your computer). The following steps show you how to install the app for your operating system.

If you use a Windows computer, the network analysis runs via the WinMTR app. To install WinMTR on your computer, first download the app from the ZAP-Hosting website. After downloading, extract the file. You will then get the executable file WinMTR.exe.

ApplicationDownload
WinMTRLink

On a Linux computer, the network analysis runs via the MTR app. To install MTR, open the terminal and execute the appropriate installation command for your system:

Debian

Code
apt install mtr -y

Ubuntu

Code
apt install mtr -y

OpenSUSE

Code
zypper addrepo https://download.opensuse.org/repositories/openSUSE:11.4/standard/openSUSE:11.4.repo
zypper refresh
zypper install mtr

Fedora

Code
yum install mtr -y

On a Mac OS computer, network analysis also runs via MTR. However, MTR is not pre-installed and not available in the Apple Store. You must first install Homebrew as a package manager.

Install Homebrew

Open the terminal and run the following command to install Homebrew:

Code
/bin/bash -c "$(curl -fsSL https://raw.githubusercontent.com/Homebrew/install/HEAD/install.sh)"

Install MTR

Follow the instructions in the terminal to complete the installation. Once Homebrew is running, you can install MTR with this command:

Code
brew install mtr

Server

For the return path, the app must be installed on the server. The following steps show you how to install the app for your server's operating system.

Connect to your server via SSH. To install MTR, run the appropriate command for your server's operating system:

Debian

Code
apt install mtr -y

Ubuntu

Code
apt install mtr -y

OpenSUSE

Code
zypper addrepo https://download.opensuse.org/repositories/openSUSE:11.4/standard/openSUSE:11.4.repo
zypper refresh
zypper install mtr

Fedora

Code
yum install mtr -y

Connect to your server via Remote Desktop Connection. To install WinMTR, first download the app from the ZAP-Hosting website. After downloading, extract the file. You will then get the executable file WinMTR.exe.

ApplicationDownload
WinMTRLink

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

It is a network diagnostic tool that combines the functions of Ping and Traceroute. It analyzes both the outbound path (client to server) and the return path (server to client), recording latency and packet loss to detect network issues.
Start with the outbound path (client to server). If this shows no anomalies and problems persist, then check the return path (server to client) to find possible asymmetric issues.
On Windows, use the WinMTR app (download from the ZAP-Hosting website). On Linux, use MTR, installable via commands like 'apt install mtr -y' (Debian/Ubuntu). On Mac, MTR is not pre-installed and must be installed via Homebrew.

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