MCQ Detailed View

The ARP (Address Resolution Protocol) is used in networking to convert an IP address to a MAC address.

When a device wants to communicate with another device on the same local network, it knows the targets IP address but needs the MAC (hardware) address to send data at the Data Link Layer. ARP fills this gap by mapping the IP address to its matching MAC address.

How ARP works:

• The sender broadcasts an ARP request on the network, asking "Who has this IP address?"


• The device with that IP replies with its MAC address.


• The sender then uses that MAC address to forward the data frame.

Important to know:

• MAC addresses are used for communication within a local network.


• IP addresses are used for identifying devices logically across networks.


• ARP helps bridge the gap between these two types of addressing.

Conclusion: The purpose of the ARP protocol is to convert an IP address to a MAC address. It is essential for communication within local networks and ensures that data reaches the correct physical device.