One of the biggest benefits of using Wireshark with `Test-Connection` is visibility. The PowerShell output tells you whether it succeeded and how long it took, but Wireshark shows every packet involved in the conversation. You clearly see the ICMP request leaving your computer, the reply coming back, the timestamps, and even whether packets are delayed or missing. This is incredibly useful when troubleshooting intermittent network issues where a command-line result alone doesn’t provide enough detail.
Another advantage is learning how network protocols behave in real time. Watching the packets in Wireshark helps reinforce concepts such as ICMP echo requests, echo replies, round-trip time, and packet sequencing. For students, junior administrators, or anyone new to networking, this turns an abstract command into a hands-on networking lesson. Even experienced network engineers often use this technique to confirm that traffic is leaving the correct interface, reaching the intended destination, and returning as expected.
In the demonstration video, I also show how to apply a Wireshark capture filter so the capture contains only traffic from the IP address being tested. Using a targeted capture filter keeps the packet list clean and avoids collecting unnecessary traffic from other devices on the network. That makes it much easier to focus on the `Test-Connection` packets and quickly spot patterns such as packet loss, duplicate replies, or unusual timing behavior. A good capture filter can save a tremendous amount of time during troubleshooting sessions.
The combination of PowerShell and Wireshark is a lightweight but extremely effective troubleshooting toolkit. `Test-Connection` generates the traffic, while Wireshark provides the microscope that lets you inspect every detail of that traffic. Whether you’re diagnosing a slow connection, verifying basic connectivity, teaching networking concepts, or simply satisfying your curiosity, this technique is worth adding to your toolbox. Be sure to watch the video accompanying this article, where I demonstrate the full process step by step, including the capture filter definition and the packet analysis in Wireshark.
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