What is the role of the Address Resolution Protocol (ARP) in computer networks?
2024
What is the role of the Address Resolution Protocol (ARP) in computer networks?
- A.
To translate domain names into IP addresses
- B.
To discover the hardware address (MAC address) corresponding to an IP address
- C.
To identify the route with the shortest path in a network
- D.
To resolve network congestion issues
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Correct answer: B
The Address Resolution Protocol (ARP) maps known IP addresses to unknown MAC addresses on a local network. When a device needs to communicate with another, it broadcasts an ARP request asking for the MAC address associated with a specific IP. The device owning that IP responds with its MAC address, enabling proper frame delivery at the data link layer.