Reverse Address
Resolution Protocol
Reverse Address Resolution Protocol (RARP) is a network protocol used
to obtain a host's IP address based on its physical layer or data link layer
address, such as a MAC address. It is the reverse process of Address
Resolution Protocol (ARP).
by I. AM OM
What is RARP?
1 Definition 2 Purpose
RARP is a protocol that RARP is used to resolve a
allows a host computer to physical layer address, such
discover its own IP address as a MAC address, to a
when it knows only its MAC corresponding network layer
address. address, such as an IP
address.
3 Reverse of ARP
RARP is the reverse process of Address Resolution Protocol (ARP),
which resolves an IP address to a MAC address.
How RARP Works
1 Step 1
The host sends a RARP request packet containing its MAC
address to the RARP server on the local network.
2 Step 2
The RARP server looks up the MAC address in its database
and retrieves the corresponding IP address.
3 Step 3
The RARP server sends a RARP reply packet back to the
host with the requested IP address.
RARP Protocol Message
Format
Hardware Type Protocol Type
Specifies the type of hardware Specifies the type of protocol
address, such as Ethernet or address, such as IP or IPX.
Token Ring.
Hardware Address Protocol Address
Length Length
Specifies the length of the Specifies the length of the
hardware address, such as 6 protocol address, such as 4
bytes for Ethernet. bytes for IP.
Advantages of RARP
1 Automatic IP Address 2 Simplified
Assignment Configuration
RARP allows hosts to RARP simplifies the network
automatically obtain their IP configuration process,
addresses, reducing the especially for diskless or
need for manual headless devices.
configuration.
3 Compatibility
RARP is compatible with various hardware and software platforms,
making it a versatile protocol.
Disadvantages of RARP
Limited Functionality Centralized Server Scalability Issues
RARP only resolves MAC addresses RARP relies on a centralized RARP As networks grow larger, the RARP
to IP addresses, lacking the server, which can be a single point server may struggle to handle the
additional features of protocols like of failure or a performance increased number of requests.
DHCP. bottleneck.
Applications of RARP
Diskless Workstations Embedded Devices Network Booting
RARP is commonly used to assign IP RARP is useful for configuring the IP RARP can be used in network booting
addresses to diskless workstations or addresses of embedded devices, such scenarios, where diskless devices
thin clients that do not have a as routers, switches, and IoT devices, retrieve their operating system and
persistent storage for configuration that have limited resources or no user configuration over the network.
information. interface.
RARP vs. ARP
Purpose Direction Usage
RARP resolves MAC addresses to IP RARP operates in the reverse direction RARP is used primarily for diskless
addresses, while ARP resolves IP compared to ARP, going from physical devices, while ARP is used more
addresses to MAC addresses. to network layer. commonly for general network
communication.
RARP vs. BOOTP/DHCP
RARP BOOTP DHCP
RARP is a simple protocol that only BOOTP is a more advanced protocol DHCP is the modern, dynamic
assigns IP addresses based on MAC that can also provide boot images and protocol that can automatically assign
addresses. other configuration information to IP addresses, as well as provide
clients. additional network configuration
details.
Conclusion
Reverse Address Resolution Protocol (RARP) is a useful network protocol
for assigning IP addresses to devices that have limited configuration
capabilities, such as diskless workstations and embedded systems. While
it has some limitations compared to more advanced protocols like DHCP,
RARP remains an important tool in network configuration and
management.
