A ping test is a function that verifies that two devices on a computer network can communicate with each other. The principle is similar to calling the other side of the valley and waiting for an echo. The tester sends a small data packet, called a "ping", to a specified network address, such as a server, router, or other device. It then waits for a response, referred to as a "ping". If a reply arrives, it means that the connection is working. The tester will also measure and display the time that this communication took, which is called the response time or latency. If a response does not arrive, it indicates a problem in the communication. The cause may be a misconfigured device, a fault in a network element along the way, or complete unavailability of the destination. In the context of cable testers, the ping test serves as a handy tool for quickly verifying that a newly installed or repaired cable not only meets the physical parameters, but that data communication through it actually works all the way to the end device.