What does the traceroute command display?

The traceroute command is a network diagnostic tool that is primarily used to trace the path that packets take from a source to a destination across an Internet Protocol (IP) network. When you run the traceroute command, it displays the approximate travel times between each router (or hop) along that path. This process typically involves sending a series of packets with incrementally increasing Time-To-Live (TTL) values, which prompts each router to send back an error message when the packets reach its TTL limit. The time it takes for each packet to go to the router and back is measured and reported, allowing you to see how long it takes for connections at each hop.

This information helps in diagnosing network issues, identifying where delays occur, and understanding the overall path and timing of network traffic. The focus on "approximate travel times" distinguishes traceroute from other tools that might measure different aspects of network performance, such as bandwidth or packet loss.