ARP vs. RARP: What's the Difference?
Edited by Sawaira Riaz || By Sumera Saeed || Updated on October 11, 2023
ARP (Address Resolution Protocol) resolves IP addresses to MAC addresses, while RARP (Reverse Address Resolution Protocol) resolves MAC addresses to IP addresses.
Key Differences
ARP (Address Resolution Protocol) and RARP (Reverse Address Resolution Protocol) both play pivotal roles in network communication but with varied orientations. ARP assists computers in finding the MAC address that correlates with a specific IP address. In contrast, RARP aids a computer in discovering its IP address using its MAC address, particularly useful during booting processes.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 11, 2023
ARP primarily focuses on allowing a system to learn the MAC address of a device possessing a particular IP address, ensuring smooth inter-network communication. RARP, inversely, enables diskless computers to determine their own IP address by querying the network with their MAC address, facilitating initial network access.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 11, 2023
In the realm of packet data communication, ARP transmits requests to all devices within a local network domain to identify the device owning the targeted IP address. RARP’s operation also involves sending requests, but instead seeks a server in the local network which can provide it with the needed IP address, leveraging its known MAC address.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 11, 2023
In usage scenarios, ARP often becomes instrumental when a device seeks to communicate with another device within the same or an external network. RARP predominantly finds its usage during diskless workstation boot processes where the machine, devoid of a hard-coded IP address, requires network assistance to ascertain its IP identity.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 11, 2023
The longevity of ARP’s practicality in modern networks is evident in its wide deployment and essential function in IP networking. Conversely, RARP, while historically significant, has largely been superseded by other protocols (such as BOOTP or DHCP) in accomplishing IP address resolution from MAC addresses in modern networking scenarios.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 11, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Usage in Modern Networking
Extensively utilized
Largely replaced by DHCP and BOOTP
Aimie Carlson
Oct 11, 2023
Packet Destination
Broadcast to all in local network
Typically broadcast, aimed at RARP servers
Harlon Moss
Oct 11, 2023
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ARP and RARP Definitions
Arp
In science, ARP can refer to an Antiretroviral Drug.
The patient was prescribed an ARP to manage the HIV infection.
Harlon Moss
Oct 11, 2023
RARP
RARP could refer to the Rare Antique Reproduction Project in certain specialty fields.
The museum commenced a RARP to recreate ancient artifacts.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 11, 2023
Arp
In finance, ARP may signify the Annual Percentage Rate.
The credit card comes with a 20% ARP.
Janet White
Oct 11, 2023
RARP
In some contexts, RARP might represent Rapid Application Retrieval Protocol.
RARP facilitates the quick recall of stored application data.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 11, 2023
Arp
ARP stands for Address Resolution Protocol in networking.
ARP ensures that IP packets reach the correct physical device.
Harlon Moss
Oct 11, 2023
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RARP
RARP might symbolize Regulatory Accounting Rate Principles in financial contexts.
The CFO scrutinized the financial reports for adherence to RARP.
Janet White
Oct 11, 2023
Arp
In musical contexts, ARP may refer to arpeggiation.
The synthesizer used an ARP to play the chord in a sequence.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 11, 2023
RARP
Sometimes RARP refers to Robotic Assisted Radical Prostatectomy in medical fields.
The surgeon utilized RARP to perform the delicate procedure.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 11, 2023
Arp
In military, ARP could denote an Air Raid Precaution.
During the war, ARP drills were common in the cities.
Sara Rehman
Oct 11, 2023
RARP
RARP translates for Reverse Address Resolution Protocol in network communications.
RARP helps diskless workstations find their IP address at startup.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 11, 2023
Arp
Alsatian artist and poet who was cofounder of Dadaism in Zurich; noted for abstract organic sculptures (1887-1966)
Sumera Saeed
Sep 11, 2017
FAQs
Does RARP support diskless computers?
Yes, RARP helps diskless computers ascertain their IP address during booting.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 11, 2023
How does ARP handle IP to MAC resolution in a local network?
ARP uses broadcast messages to discover the MAC address corresponding to a known IP address in a local network.
Janet White
Oct 11, 2023
Are ARP and RARP still relevant in IPv6?
ARP is not used in IPv6; its function is replaced by Neighbor Discovery Protocol (NDP). RARP is generally not relevant in IPv6 environments.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 11, 2023
How is ARP different from RARP in purpose?
ARP resolves IP addresses to MAC addresses, while RARP resolves MAC addresses to IP addresses.
Sara Rehman
Oct 11, 2023
Is RARP useful in everyday internet browsing?
No, RARP is typically not used in everyday internet browsing as it's mostly used for diskless workstations during booting.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 11, 2023
What layer of the TCP/IP model do ARP and RARP operate on?
ARP and RARP operate on the Internet Layer (or Network Interface Layer) of the TCP/IP model.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 11, 2023
How does ARP transmit its requests?
ARP broadcasts requests to all devices in a local network.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 11, 2023
Is RARP widely used today?
No, RARP has been largely supplanted by DHCP and BOOTP.
Janet White
Oct 11, 2023
Do ARP and RARP operate on the same network layer?
Yes, both ARP and RARP operate on the Link Layer of the OSI model.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 11, 2023
Why is RARP not commonly used today?
RARP has largely been replaced by more advanced protocols like BOOTP and DHCP for IP address allocation.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 11, 2023
Can ARP be used to poison network traffic?
Yes, ARP spoofing or ARP poisoning is a technique used to attack an Ethernet network by sending fake ARP messages.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 11, 2023
How secure are ARP and RARP?
Neither ARP nor RARP incorporates security features and both are susceptible to spoofing and poisoning attacks.
Janet White
Oct 11, 2023
What is the main function of ARP?
ARP translates IP addresses to MAC addresses.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 11, 2023
What is RARP’s primary function?
RARP translates MAC addresses to IP addresses.
Janet White
Oct 11, 2023
How does RARP find its IP address?
RARP queries the local network using its MAC address to find its IP address.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 11, 2023
Can RARP work in large distributed networks?
RARP is less suitable for large distributed networks due to its broadcast nature and dependency on RARP servers in the local network.
Janet White
Oct 11, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sumera SaeedSumera is an experienced content writer and editor with a niche in comparative analysis. At Diffeence Wiki, she crafts clear and unbiased comparisons to guide readers in making informed decisions. With a dedication to thorough research and quality, Sumera's work stands out in the digital realm. Off the clock, she enjoys reading and exploring diverse cultures.
Edited by
Sawaira RiazSawaira is a dedicated content editor at difference.wiki, where she meticulously refines articles to ensure clarity and accuracy. With a keen eye for detail, she upholds the site's commitment to delivering insightful and precise content.
