Question

Consider the following two statements.
\[ S_1 : \text{Destination MAC address of an ARP reply is a broadcast address.} \] \[ S_2 : \text{Destination MAC address of an ARP request is a broadcast address.} \] Which one of the following choices is correct?

• A. Both \(S_1\) and \(S_2\) are true.
• B. \(S_1\) is true and \(S_2\) is false.
• C. \(S_1\) is false and \(S_2\) is true.
• D. Both \(S_1\) and \(S_2\) are false.

Hint:

ARP requests are broadcast because the destination MAC is unknown, while ARP replies are unicast.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understanding ARP request.
An ARP request is sent when a host wants to know the MAC address corresponding to a known IP address. Since the sender does not know the destination MAC address, the ARP request is sent as a broadcast frame. Hence, \(S_2\) is true.

Step 2: Understanding ARP reply.
An ARP reply is sent directly to the host that initiated the ARP request. The sender already knows the destination MAC address, so the reply is sent as a unicast frame, not a broadcast. Hence, \(S_1\) is false.

Step 3: Conclusion.
\(S_1\) is false and \(S_2\) is true.

Final Answer: (C)