ARP (Address Resolution Protocol) plays a foundational role in how devices communicate within local networks. This article provides an in-depth yet easy-to-understand look at how this protocol works, why it’s important, and its key processes.
What is ARP?
The Address Resolution Protocol (ARP) is a protocol used to map an IP address to a physical MAC (Media Access Control) address. While IP addresses are used to route data between networks, communication within a local network requires knowing the MAC address of the destination device. Address Resolution Protocol bridges this gap by enabling devices to discover each other’s MAC addresses when only the IP address is known.