Ping will use the mechanisms listed in the /etc/nsswitch. conf file to resolve hostnames in order they are given. This means it typically uses the hosts file (/etc/hosts) before querying DNS. ... This means ping (and other software) will use local files, like /etc/hosts, to find IP addresses for names before querying DNS.

How is local hostname resolved?

Host name resolution generally uses the following sequence: The client checks to see if the name queried is its own. The client then searches a local Hosts file, a list of IP address and names stored on the local computer. ... If the name is still not resolved, NetBIOS name resolution sequence is used as a backup.

Can ping IP not hostname?

2) If you can ping by IP Address, but not by name, then there is probably something wrong with your DNS setup. Double check how you have DNS setup.