What is the function of the traceroute command?

The traceroute command is specifically designed to track the path that data packets take from a source device to a destination device across a network. It works by sending a series of packets with incrementally increasing Time-To-Live (TTL) values, allowing it to identify each hop along the route. At each router or device the packet encounters, the TTL is decremented until it reaches zero, at which point the router sends back an error message, indicating the route taken. This process reveals the number of hops, the round-trip time to each point, and any potential delays or issues along the path, making it a valuable tool for network diagnostics and troubleshooting.

Options like pinging a server for connectivity focus on checking reachability and latency, but they do not provide information on the route taken. Displaying IP address configurations relates to examining local device settings rather than tracking packet paths. Securing local network communications involves protocols and measures that ensure data privacy and integrity, which is unrelated to what traceroute accomplishes. Thus, the primary function of the traceroute command is to reveal the route data takes between devices, confirming the correct choice.