ARP maps a Layer 3 IP address to an Unknown Layer 2 MAC address, which is key for Nic-to-Nic communication at the data link layer.
Here’s a quick overview:
1. PC1 needs PC3’s MAC and IP address to communicate.
2. The IP can be static or assigned dynamically via DHCP.
3. To test connectivity, John use PC1 to ping PC3 in the same LAN.
How it works:
– PC1 sends an ARP request to resolve PC3’s MAC address.
– The ARP request is broadcast, with unknown destination MAC set to all F’s.
– PC3 replies with its MAC address with an ARP reply, allowing PC1 to send the ICMP request to eventually get an ICMP reply from PC3.
Understanding ARP is key to knowing how data moves through a network for effective communication and to troubleshoot various issues.
Animation credit: NetworkAcademy.IO
