What is ARP table?
In computer networking, the Address Resolution Protocol (ARP) table is a table or cache that maps the hardware addresses (MAC addresses) of devices on a local network to their respective IP addresses.
ARP is used to translate between the network layer (IP addresses) and the data link layer (MAC addresses) of the TCP/IP protocol stack. When a device wants to send data to another device on the same network, it needs to know the MAC address of the destination device.
When a device wants to communicate with another device on the network, it first checks its ARP table to see if it already knows the MAC address corresponding to the IP address of the destination device. If the MAC address is not in the table, the device sends an ARP request packet to the network asking for the MAC address associated with the desired IP address. The device with that IP address then responds with an ARP reply packet containing its MAC address. The requesting device can then add this information to its ARP table and use it for subsequent communication with that device.
The ARP table is typically stored in the device’s RAM and is dynamic in nature, meaning it can change over time as devices join or leave the network or as IP addresses are assigned or released. The table is important for efficient communication within a local network, as it helps to reduce the need for constant ARP request and reply packets by maintaining a mapping of IP addresses to MAC addresses.
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