How Can MacPing Help?

While it is testing the network, MacPing sends an echo request packet and expects to receive an echo response packet. Since these echo packets are processed the same way as other packets traveling across the network, the delay and percent loss shown by MacPing is representative of the delay and loss of “real” packets. In this way, MacPing can measure the actual performance of the network. 

Since MacPing tests for packet loss directly, it can show individual devices (or entire network segments) that are experiencing trouble. On LocalTalk, packet loss over 2.5% is indicative of trouble. Because Ethernet (ThinNet, 10Base-T, or ThickNet) uses better cabling techniques, packet drop rates should be well under 1%.