ARP (Address Resolution Protocol) is a network protocol used to map an IP address to a physical MAC (Media Access Control) address within a local area network (LAN). When a device wants to communicate with another device on the same network, it needs to know the MAC address corresponding to the target’s IP address. ARP facilitates this by sending a broadcast message across the network, asking “Who has this IP address?” The device with the matching IP address responds with its MAC address, allowing the initiating device to establish direct communication. ARP is essential for enabling devices to communicate over Ethernet networks.
