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# RARP Protocol RARP (Reverse Address Resolution Protocol) is a protocol used to resolve data link layer addresses (such as MAC addresses) into network layer addresses (such as IP addresses). RARP is the reverse operation of ARP (Address Resolution Protocol), and is mainly used by devices such as diskless workstations to obtain their IP addresses during startup. * * * ## How RARP Works The core function of RARP is to resolve MAC addresses into IP addresses through broadcast requests and unicast responses. ### 1. **RARP Request** When a device starts up, if it doesn't know its IP address, it will send a RARP request broadcast packet, asking "Who has this MAC address?" !(#) * The sender broadcasts a RARP request packet, asking for the IP address corresponding to its own MAC address. * All devices on the local area network will receive this request. ### 2. **RARP Response** If a device (usually a RARP server) finds that its configuration contains the IP address mapping for that MAC address, it will send a RARP response packet, informing the corresponding IP address. !(#) * The RARP server sends a RARP response packet, informing the sender's IP address. * The RARP response packet is unicast, sent only to the requester. * * * #### 3. **IP Address Configuration** After receiving the RARP response, the sender will configure its network interface with the obtained IP address, enabling communication with other devices. !(#) * * * ## Key Features of RARP 1. **MAC Address to IP Address Mapping**: * Resolves data link layer addresses to network layer addresses. 2. **Broadcast Request and Unicast Response**: * Uses broadcast to send RARP requests and