- A
ARP resolves a known IPv4 address to a MAC address on the local segment.
This is correct because ARP is used to discover the Layer 2 MAC address associated with a known IPv4 address on the local network.
- B
ARP is used to choose the best Layer 3 path across multiple routers.
Why wrong: This is wrong because routing protocols and routing tables handle path selection, not ARP.
- C
ARP requests are typically sent as broadcasts on the local LAN.
This is correct because ARP requests are broadcast so the device owning the target IP can respond.
- D
ARP can normally resolve the MAC address of a host located across a routed network.
Why wrong: This is wrong because ARP is a local-link mechanism and does not normally resolve remote hosts across routers.
- E
ARP replaces the need for a default gateway.
Why wrong: This is wrong because ARP does not replace gateway logic. It may help discover the gateway MAC on the local LAN, but the gateway is still required for off-subnet traffic.
Quick Answer
The answer is that ARP requests are typically sent as broadcasts on the local LAN because Address Resolution Protocol is the mechanism used to map a known IPv4 address to a Layer 2 MAC address on the same Ethernet segment. When a device needs to send a frame but does not know the destination MAC, it broadcasts an ARP request to all hosts on the local link, and the owner of the target IPv4 address replies unicast with its MAC. On the CCNA 200-301 v2 exam, this concept tests your understanding that ARP operates strictly within a single broadcast domain and does not cross routers or function as a routing protocol—a common trap is confusing ARP with routing table lookups or assuming it resolves addresses across subnets. Remember that ARP is for local neighbor discovery only, not for path selection. A helpful memory tip: ARP is the “local phonebook” for your LAN, translating IP numbers into Ethernet hardware addresses so frames can be delivered on the wire.
CCNA Network Infrastructure and Connectivity Practice Question
This 200-301 practice question tests your understanding of network infrastructure and connectivity. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. A key principle to apply: aRP resolves a known IPv4 address to a MAC address only on the local Ethernet segment where the devices reside.. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
Which two statements accurately describe ARP in an IPv4 Ethernet network?
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
ARP resolves a known IPv4 address to a MAC address on the local segment.
ARP is the mechanism used to map a known IPv4 address to a Layer 2 MAC address on the local network segment. In plain language, if a device knows the IP address it wants to reach on the same LAN, ARP helps it discover the correct Ethernet destination MAC address to use in the frame. That is why ARP is so important for local delivery in IPv4 Ethernet environments. Without it, devices would know where they want to send traffic logically, but not how to address the actual frame on the local link. ARP does not cross routers in the usual way, and it is not a routing protocol. It does not determine best paths to remote networks. It simply helps with local resolution of IPv4-to-MAC information. This distinction matters a lot on CCNA questions because many wrong answers try to blur the line between local neighbor resolution and routing behavior.
Key principle: ARP resolves a known IPv4 address to a MAC address only on the local Ethernet segment where the devices reside.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
ARP resolves a known IPv4 address to a MAC address on the local segment.
Why this is correct
This is correct because ARP is used to discover the Layer 2 MAC address associated with a known IPv4 address on the local network.
Related concept
ARP resolves a known IPv4 address to a MAC address only on the local Ethernet segment where the devices reside.
- ✗
ARP is used to choose the best Layer 3 path across multiple routers.
Why it's wrong here
This is wrong because routing protocols and routing tables handle path selection, not ARP.
- ✓
ARP requests are typically sent as broadcasts on the local LAN.
Why this is correct
This is correct because ARP requests are broadcast so the device owning the target IP can respond.
Related concept
ARP resolves a known IPv4 address to a MAC address only on the local Ethernet segment where the devices reside.
- ✗
ARP can normally resolve the MAC address of a host located across a routed network.
Why it's wrong here
This is wrong because ARP is a local-link mechanism and does not normally resolve remote hosts across routers.
When this WOULD be correct
If the exam question were to ask about a protocol that can resolve MAC addresses across routed networks, such as when discussing proxy ARP or specific configurations involving ARP in a multi-layer switch environment, then this option would be correct.
- ✗
ARP replaces the need for a default gateway.
Why it's wrong here
This is wrong because ARP does not replace gateway logic. It may help discover the gateway MAC on the local LAN, but the gateway is still required for off-subnet traffic.
When this WOULD be correct
In a question focused on network configuration or design where the context is a flat network without any routing, one might ask if ARP can eliminate the need for a default gateway. In such a scenario, if the question specifies that all devices are on the same subnet, the answer could be considered correct.
Option-by-option analysis
Why each answer is right or wrong
Understanding why wrong answers are wrong — and when they would be correct — is what separates a 750 score from a 900. The 200-301 exam frequently reuses these exact scenarios with slightly different constraints.
✓ARP resolves a known IPv4 address to a MAC address on the local segment.Correct answer▾
Why this is correct
This is correct because ARP is used to discover the Layer 2 MAC address associated with a known IPv4 address on the local network.
✗ARP is used to choose the best Layer 3 path across multiple routers.Wrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
ARP operates at Layer 2 and is only concerned with resolving IP addresses to MAC addresses on the local link. Path selection between routers is performed by routing protocols (e.g., OSPF, EIGRP) and the routing table, which operate at Layer 3.
★ When this WOULD be the correct answer
If the question were to ask about protocols that facilitate routing decisions or path selection in a multi-router environment, such as OSPF or EIGRP, then option B could be correct in that context, as those protocols do indeed choose the best Layer 3 path.
Why candidates choose this
Students may confuse ARP with routing because both involve IP addresses. However, ARP is strictly for local MAC resolution, not for determining the best path across multiple routers.
✗ARP can normally resolve the MAC address of a host located across a routed network.Wrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
ARP requests are broadcast only within the local subnet and are not forwarded by routers. To reach a host on a different subnet, the source host must send the packet to its default gateway, which then uses its own ARP process to resolve the next-hop MAC.
★ When this WOULD be the correct answer
If the exam question were to ask about a protocol that can resolve MAC addresses across routed networks, such as when discussing proxy ARP or specific configurations involving ARP in a multi-layer switch environment, then this option would be correct.
Why candidates choose this
A student might think ARP can resolve any IP address because ARP tables can contain entries for remote hosts learned via proxy ARP, but proxy ARP is a special case and not the normal operation. Typically, ARP is limited to the local link.
✗ARP replaces the need for a default gateway.Wrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
ARP does not replace the default gateway; it only resolves the MAC address of the gateway or other local hosts. The default gateway is still required for routing traffic to other subnets, as ARP cannot provide Layer 3 forwarding.
★ When this WOULD be the correct answer
In a question focused on network configuration or design where the context is a flat network without any routing, one might ask if ARP can eliminate the need for a default gateway. In such a scenario, if the question specifies that all devices are on the same subnet, the answer could be considered correct.
Why candidates choose this
Since ARP is used to find the MAC address of the default gateway, some might think it eliminates the need for a gateway. However, the gateway's IP address must still be configured, and ARP only provides the MAC for that IP.
Analysis generated from the official 200-301blueprint and verified against question context. The “when correct” sections are what AI assistants cite when candidates ask “what’s the difference between these options?”
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Do not confuse ARP with routing protocols or assume it functions across routers. Remember, ARP is strictly for local address resolution.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Address Resolution Protocol (ARP) is a fundamental protocol used in IPv4 Ethernet networks to map a known IP address to its corresponding MAC address on the local network segment. When a device wants to communicate with another device on the same LAN, it must encapsulate the IP packet inside an Ethernet frame addressed to the destination's MAC address. ARP facilitates this by broadcasting a request to all devices on the local segment, asking "Who has this IP address?" The device with the matching IP replies with its MAC address, enabling direct Layer 2 communication. The ARP process is strictly confined to the local broadcast domain because Ethernet frames cannot traverse routers without being encapsulated differently. Therefore, ARP requests are sent as broadcasts to the local LAN, and only devices on that segment respond. If the destination IP is outside the local subnet, the sender uses the MAC address of its configured default gateway to forward the packet. ARP does not resolve MAC addresses beyond the local segment, nor does it participate in routing decisions or path selection across multiple routers. A common exam trap is confusing ARP’s role with routing protocols or path selection mechanisms. Some may incorrectly believe ARP helps determine the best Layer 3 path or resolves MAC addresses across routed networks. In reality, ARP only resolves IP-to-MAC mappings locally and does not cross routers. Understanding this distinction is critical for CCNA candidates to avoid selecting incorrect answers that blur local address resolution with routing functionality.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- ARP resolves a known IPv4 address to a MAC address only on the local Ethernet segment where the devices reside.
- ARP requests are sent as Layer 2 broadcasts to all devices on the local LAN to discover the MAC address of a known IP.
- Devices respond to ARP requests only if the requested IPv4 address matches their own configured IP address.
- ARP does not operate across routers and cannot resolve MAC addresses for hosts located on remote subnets.
- Routing protocols and routing tables determine the best Layer 3 path, not ARP, which is solely for local address resolution.
- When the destination IP is off-subnet, the sender uses ARP to find the MAC address of the default gateway, not the remote host.
- ARP entries are cached temporarily in the ARP table to reduce broadcast traffic and speed up address resolution.
- Misunderstanding ARP’s scope leads to common exam traps where candidates confuse local MAC resolution with routing functions.
TExam Day Tips
- Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
- Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
ARP resolves a known IPv4 address to a MAC address only on the local Ethernet segment where the devices reside.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A network engineer at a university connects two campus buildings via a fibre link. Both routers run OSPF, but no adjacency forms — even though both routers can ping each other. The engineer finds one router is in area 0 and the other in area 1. OSPF adjacency requires matching area numbers, hello/dead timers, and network type. IP reachability alone is not enough.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Review aRP resolves a known IPv4 address to a MAC address only on the local Ethernet segment where the devices reside., then practise related 200-301 questions on the same topic to reinforce the concept.
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this 200-301 question test?
Network Infrastructure and Connectivity — This question tests Network Infrastructure and Connectivity — ARP resolves a known IPv4 address to a MAC address only on the local Ethernet segment where the devices reside..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: ARP resolves a known IPv4 address to a MAC address on the local segment. — ARP is the mechanism used to map a known IPv4 address to a Layer 2 MAC address on the local network segment. In plain language, if a device knows the IP address it wants to reach on the same LAN, ARP helps it discover the correct Ethernet destination MAC address to use in the frame. That is why ARP is so important for local delivery in IPv4 Ethernet environments. Without it, devices would know where they want to send traffic logically, but not how to address the actual frame on the local link. ARP does not cross routers in the usual way, and it is not a routing protocol. It does not determine best paths to remote networks. It simply helps with local resolution of IPv4-to-MAC information. This distinction matters a lot on CCNA questions because many wrong answers try to blur the line between local neighbor resolution and routing behavior.
What should I do if I get this 200-301 question wrong?
Review aRP resolves a known IPv4 address to a MAC address only on the local Ethernet segment where the devices reside., then practise related 200-301 questions on the same topic to reinforce the concept.
What is the key concept behind this question?
ARP resolves a known IPv4 address to a MAC address only on the local Ethernet segment where the devices reside.
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Last reviewed: May 17, 2026
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