Quick answer: A Looking Glass (LG) is a web tool that lets you run ping, traceroute and BGP queries from the provider's network side — so you can see the path and latency towards you before ordering, or during troubleshooting. For the current Cloud2Y Looking Glass and test endpoints, check cloud2y.com or ask support.
Overview
Normal tests (ping from your PC) show the path from you to the server. Internet routing is often asymmetric — the return path can differ — so serious diagnostics need both views. A Looking Glass gives you the provider-side view without needing a server there yet. It is also the honest way to evaluate a host before paying: real latency beats marketing claims.
Before you start
- Your public IP address (the LG will ping/trace towards it): see it with
curl -4 ifconfig.meor any "what is my IP" site. - The LG address for the location you are interested in — from cloud2y.com or support.
Step-by-step guide
- Open the Looking Glass page for the target location.
- Choose the test type: ping (latency/loss), traceroute (path), or BGP (routing table view, where offered).
- Enter your public IP (or any destination you want to test towards) and run it.
- Read the results exactly like local ping/traceroute output — average RTT, loss, and the hop where latency jumps.
- Compare with a test from your side to the same location (see checking latency) — together they show both directions.
Common issues
- Your firewall drops ICMP: the LG ping towards you shows 100% loss even though everything is fine — allow ICMP or test towards another host on your network.
- Asymmetric results: different forward and return paths are normal on the Internet; loss is only real if it appears end-to-end (see packet loss).
- Comparing a single sample: run tests a few times — one congested moment is not a trend.
When to contact support
If you cannot find the Looking Glass for a location, or LG results show persistent loss towards your network, open a ticket with the outputs — the network team can investigate the return path.
Frequently asked questions
What is a Looking Glass for?
It runs ping, traceroute and BGP queries from the provider side, showing the network path towards you — useful before ordering and when diagnosing asymmetric issues.
Where is the Cloud2Y Looking Glass?
Check cloud2y.com or ask support for the current Looking Glass address and test endpoints for each location — they can change, so we do not hardcode links in articles.
The LG shows 100% loss to my IP — is something broken?
Often your router or firewall simply drops ICMP. Allow ping or test towards a different host in your network before concluding.
Related articles
- How to check latency to Cloud2Y locations
- How to download test files
- How to check traceroute / MTR
- How to choose the best server location
Ready to get started? Order a VPS at Cloud2Y →
