Before discussing ARP vs RARP, let us understand the two terms first.
ARP stands for Address resolution protocol and RARP is an abbreviation for Reverse Address Resolution Protocol. Both are LAN protocols and are quite similar in some ways.
Both use Broadcast in Request and unicast in response. Both ARP and RARP have the objective to complete the IP address to MAC address mapping.
Additionally, both utilize the same packet format including usage of broadcast addresses.
Difference between ARP and RARP:
PARAMETER | ARP | RARP |
---|---|---|
Abbreviation for | Address resolution protocol | Reverse Address Resolution Protocol |
Broadcast MAC/IP | Nodes use ARP broadcast in LAN by using broadcast MAC address | RARP uses Broadcast IP address |
Mapping | Maps IP address of node to its MAC Address | Maps 48 bit MAC address to IP address |
Usage | Used by host or Router to find physical address of another host/Router in LAN. | Used by thin clients with limited facilities |
Table maintained by | Local Host maintains ARP table | RARP Server maintains RARP table |
Reply information | ARP reply is used to update ARP table | RARP reply is used to configure IP address in local host |
Download the difference table here.
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
I am here to share my knowledge and experience in the field of networking with the goal being – “The more you share, the more you learn.”
I am a biotechnologist by qualification and a Network Enthusiast by interest. I developed interest in networking being in the company of a passionate Network Professional, my husband.
I am a strong believer of the fact that “learning is a constant process of discovering yourself.”
– Rashmi Bhardwaj (Author/Editor)