ARP question

[dmurray9133]

I am confused by the purpose of the ARP lookup table on any given host. I understand it translates IPs to Hardware addresses but when I issue an arp -a command from CMD I see very few entries. I know my PC has communicated with more hosts than I am seeing. Seems like ARP is a way to assist a host in communication, as opposed it being a requirement for a host to host communication...anyone? thanks

 

[hang-the-9]

You won't see every single connection made in there, from what I understand, you will only see it for the local network. Meaning other computers inside your house, maybe your router.

 

[gtvr]

right, it is only relevant as a LAN protocol, not WAN.

 

[dmurray9133]

What I am seeing on my PC is one entry - for my default gateway...

 

[gtvr]

Which is exactly right. That device is on your LAN. Anything beyond the router, your PC does not see the hardware MAC address, just an IP address.

 

[dmurray9133]

Sorry for taking so long - now i understand completly. what you are saying makes perfect sense...thanks!