How to test if a remote system is reachable

Question

I want to test whether a remote system is reachable using Java or in other words "send a ping" using Java. This functionality should be encapsulated in a method with boolean value, for example

public boolean isReachable(String ip) {    // what to do :-) } 

I've tested the Java Process class, but I don't think that it is the best way to do this, because of the complex output handling with OutputBuffers.

Process proc = Runtime.getRuntime().exec("ping " + ip); 

Another possibility would be creating a Socket Connection and handle thrown exceptions, but if the remote system is a "naked" unix system, there might be no Socket on the other side :-) Additionally, I'd like to be able to set a timeout, when a remote system is not reachable.

So how could I do this? Thank you!

Answer 1

InetAddress.getByName(ip).isReachable(timeout);