Windows Desktop and Server networking - A complete guide.

Question

Hi,

I work with a managed service provider so I spend my days resolving networking issues amongst other technical issues. Something I'd like to get the 'final' word on is how TCP/IP functions on Windows server and 10/11 in terms of network adapter and network communications and resolution.

As an example, I might be working with a problematic computer on a local LAN. It might have multiple network adapters, or it might have an ethernet, a wireless and a VPN connection. My trusty friend that use I multiple times a day in the command prompt window, IPCONFIG /ALL shows me all my network interface settings. There are often multiple IP, DNS server, DHCP server settings and default gateways for all these adapters.

So I'd like clarification of how the Windows operating system goes about using all these interfaces, say in the example of initiating a ping command. Say I've I got an Ethernet connection to the local network and a VPN connection running and then I run a ping command to another device locally or to a client at the other end of the VPN tunnel. What does Window do in terms sending out network packets on either/and/or both adapters. How does it know which one to use?

Can someone explain or point me towards some definitive documentation.

Thanks.