Which tool would you use to verify the connectivity of a network device quickly?

To verify the connectivity of a network device quickly, using the Ping tool is ideal. Ping operates by sending Internet Control Message Protocol (ICMP) echo request packets to the target device and waits for a reply. This process allows you to determine whether the device is reachable across the network and provides information about the round-trip time and possible packet loss. A successful response from the device confirms that it is online and accessible, making Ping a quick and efficient method for connectivity testing.

Other tools like Tracert are designed to show the pathway that packets take to reach the destination, which is more useful for troubleshooting routing issues rather than simply checking connectivity. IPconfig provides information about IP address configurations but does not test connectivity. Telnet can be used to check connectivity to a specific port on a network device, but it is less straightforward and more involved than using Ping for a quick check. Thus, for verifying basic connectivity, Ping stands out as the most suitable option.