Why is an ARP query sent within a broadcast frame? Is an ARP response sent within a broadcast frame and why or why not?
Try an answer before revealing the guidance below.
Key Concepts
- Unknown target MAC
- Broadcast request
- Known requester MAC
- Unicast reply
Answer Approach
- Explain what address is unknown to the requester.
- Explain what address is known to the responder after reading the request.
- Decide the frame type for each message.
Full Answer
Answer status: Verified against study notes. Revision notes, not an official marking scheme.
An ARP requester knows the target’s IP address but not its MAC address, so it broadcasts the request over the local link. The request includes the requester’s MAC address; the target normally sends its response directly to that address in a unicast frame, not a broadcast frame.
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