The ping command is a fundamental utility used to test Layer 3 reachability by sending ICMP echo requests to a target IP address and waiting for a reply. A successful reply confirms that a valid two-way IP path exists between the source and destination. The traceroute command is used to discover the Layer 3 path (the sequence of routers) that packets take to a network host. It helps identify routing loops or points of failure along the path by showing which hop is the last to respond. Both are essential tools for diagnosing IP connectivity issues.

show vlan: This command displays information about Layer 2 Virtual LANs. While VLAN configuration is crucial for network operation, this command verifies Layer 2 settings, not Layer 3 connectivity.

show clock: This command displays the system's current time and date. It is a system management command and is not used for troubleshooting network connectivity.

1. ArubaOS-CX 10.12 Command-Line Interface Guide

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"Troubleshooting commands" section.

ping: "Sends ICMPv4 or ICMPv6 echo request packets to a remote host to determine if the host is reachable."

traceroute: "Traces the path from the switch to a remote host."

2. ArubaOS-CX 10.12 Command-Line Interface Guide

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"VLAN commands" section.

show vlan: "Shows information for all configured VLANs

or for the specified VLANs." This confirms its function is related to Layer 2 VLANs.

3. ArubaOS-CX 10.12 Command-Line Interface Guide

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"System information commands" section.

show clock: "Displays the current system time." This confirms its function is unrelated to network troubleshooting.