Difference between ARP and RARP


ARP: The address resolution protocol (ARP) is used to associate the 32 bit logical/IP address with the 48 bit physical address. ARP can find the physical address of the receiver and for that it has to know the internet address of that node.

RARP: Reverse Address Resolution Protocol allows a host to find out its IP address when its physical address is known. When a computer is connected to a network for the first time then RARP is used.



ARP RARP
1. ARP means Address Resolution Protocol. 1. RARP means Reverse Address Resolution Protocol.
2. Retrieves the physical address of the receiver when its logical address is known. 2. Retrieves the logical address of a host when its physical address is known.
3. ARP is used to map 32 bit logical address to 48 bit physical address. 3. RARP is used to map 48 bit physical address to 32 bit logical address.
4. In ARP local hosts maintain the ARP table. 4. In RARP, RARP server maintain the RARP table.
5. ARP reply is used by the ARP table for the update procedure in ARP table management 5. RARP reply is used by the RARP table for the configuration of IP addresses in RARP table management.
6. ARP is used by hosts and routers for knowing the physical address of other hosts and routers in the network. 6. Small amount of users having less facilities use RARP.




Contributed By: Romana Rahman Ema