ARPrelated

ARPrelated is a term used to describe topics that are related to the Address Resolution Protocol in computer networks. It encompasses the mechanisms by which IPv4 devices discover the data link layer addresses (MAC addresses) associated with network-layer IP addresses, as well as the implementations, configurations, and security considerations surrounding ARP.

In typical operation, a host broadcasts an ARP request stating, “Who has IP address X? Tell Y.” The device that owns IP address X replies with its MAC address, enabling the two endpoints to communicate on the local network. ARP results are stored in an ARP cache and entries time out if not refreshed. This process sits between the network layer and the data link layer and is essential for local IP connectivity on Ethernet and similar networks.

Related concepts include Gratuitous ARP (an unsolicited update of MAC-IP mappings), Proxy ARP (a router answers ARP requests on behalf of another device), and Inverse ARP (a mechanism used on some link layers to learn IP addresses from data-link layer addresses). ARPrelated topics also include security concerns such as ARP spoofing or ARP poisoning, where false ARP messages mislead devices about MAC-IP mappings, and mitigations like dynamic ARP inspection, static ARP entries, and network segmentation.

IPv6 environments replace ARP with Neighbor Discovery Protocol, though ARP-related discussions persist in IPv4 deployments, virtualization contexts, and legacy networks. In documentation and literature, ARPrelated is often used as a category or descriptor for topics, standards, implementations, and security considerations tied to address resolution.