[Day 2] 1. ARP (Address Resolution Protocol)

• Protocol that is used to map the MAC addresses to the IP addresses.
• ARP helps machines communicate by broadcasting a request for a specific device's MAC address.
• ARP Cache Time: MAC addresses are typically stored for a period after communication, allowing faster reconnections. The exact time can vary depending on the operating system and network configuration.

MAC Addresses and MAC Table

• MAC Table: Switches learn MAC addresses through broadcasts and store them for efficient communication.
• Collision Handling: Switches reduce collisions by using RAM to queue data when multiple devices communicate simultaneously.