Chapter 3. The Address Resolution Protocol
Summary | The Address Resolution Protocol provides a mechanism for IP devices to locate the hardware addresses of other devices on the local network. This service is required in order for IP-enabled systems to communicate with each other. |
Relevant STDs | 2 (http://www.iana.org/); 3 (includes RFCs 1122 and 1123); 37 (RFC 826, republished); 38 (RFC 903, republished) |
Relevant RFCs | 826 (Address Resolution Protocol); 903 (Reverse ARP); 1122 (Host Network Requirements); 1433 (Directed ARP); 1868 (UnARP Extension); 2131 (DHCP and DHCP ARP); 2390 (Inverse ARP) |
When two IP-enabled devices on the same network segment want to communicate, they do so using the low-level protocols and addressing mechanisms defined for the specific medium in use.
For example, Ethernet devices use Ethernet-specific addresses when they communicate with each other, while Frame Relay networks use Frame Relay-specific addresses.
In order for IP systems to communicate with each other, they must first be able to identify the hardware addresses of the other devices on the same network segment that the local device is on. This service is provided by the Address Resolution Protocol.
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