Tcp Ip Protocol Questions Medium
The purpose of the Reverse Address Resolution Protocol version 2 (RARPv2) in the TCP/IP Protocol is to allow a device to obtain its IP address when it knows only its physical address (MAC address).
In a TCP/IP network, devices typically use IP addresses to communicate with each other. However, during the boot process, a device may not have an IP address assigned yet. In such cases, the device can use RARPv2 to send a broadcast message containing its MAC address and request an IP address from a RARP server.
The RARP server receives the broadcast message and checks its database to find a corresponding IP address for the MAC address. Once the IP address is found, the RARP server sends a unicast reply message back to the requesting device, providing it with the IP address.
RARPv2 is particularly useful in scenarios where devices need to be assigned IP addresses dynamically, such as in diskless workstations or thin clients. It allows these devices to obtain an IP address without manual configuration, simplifying network management and administration.
Overall, RARPv2 serves as a mechanism for devices to obtain their IP addresses based on their MAC addresses, enabling them to participate in IP-based communication within a TCP/IP network.