Where is ping typically used in networking?

Ping is a network utility primarily used to measure latency, which is the time taken for a packet of data to travel from the source to a destination and back again. By sending a small packet known as an ICMP (Internet Control Message Protocol) Echo Request to a target IP address and waiting for a response, ping provides information about the round-trip time of the packet. This measurement helps in evaluating the performance of the network connection and determining any delays.

Understanding ping helps network administrators troubleshoot connectivity issues and assess the quality of a connection, making it a fundamental tool in networking for evaluating latency. On the other hand, other options like storing data, encrypting communications, or enhancing security protocols do not relate to the function of ping, as they involve different processes and tools within networking and cybersecurity.