Dictionary · Networking Fundamentals
ARP
ARP — Address Resolution Protocol
Resolution · Intermediate
A protocol that resolves a 32-bit protocol address to a hardware address on the local link. Hosts cache the answer so they do not ask for every packet.
Before a host can build a local frame, it needs the hardware address that belongs to the next protocol address. It asks on the link and remembers the reply.
Example: A PC learns that 192.168.1.1 is reachable at hardware address 00:1A:2B:3C:4D:5E and stores that mapping.
Common misconception
- This resolution is local. It does not find hardware addresses for destinations on the far side of a router.