What are two potential network problems that can result from ARP operation? (Choose two.)
a) Manually configuring static ARP associations could facilitate ARP poisoning or MAC address spoofing.
b) On large networks with low bandwidth, multiple ARP broadcasts could cause data communication delays.
c) Network attackers could manipulate MAC address and IP address mappings in ARP messages with the intent of intercepting network traffic.
d) Large numbers of ARP request broadcasts could cause the host MAC address table to overflow and prevent the host from communicating on the network.
e) Multiple ARP replies result in the switch MAC address table containing entries that match the MAC addresses of hosts that are connected to the relevant switch port.
Correct Answer: b and c
Two potential network problems that can result from ARP (Address Resolution Protocol) operation are:
b) On large networks with low bandwidth, multiple ARP broadcasts could cause data communication delays.
c) Network attackers could manipulate MAC address and IP address mappings in ARP messages with the intent of intercepting network traffic.
Let’s delve into each of these issues in detail and explain why the other options are not correct.
Problem b): On large networks with low bandwidth, multiple ARP broadcasts could cause data communication delays:
In a network, when a device needs to communicate with another device on the same subnet, it typically needs to know the MAC (Media Access Control) address corresponding to the IP (Internet Protocol) address of the target device.
This is where ARP comes into play. ARP is responsible for mapping IP addresses to MAC addresses, allowing devices to communicate with each other on a local network.
When a device wants to find the MAC address associated with a specific IP address, it broadcasts an ARP request message to the entire local network segment. This broadcast is necessary because the requesting device may not have the MAC address of the target device in its ARP cache.
In a large network with low bandwidth, such as a network with many devices or one that operates in a congested environment, the transmission of multiple ARP requests can lead to data communication delays.
- Here’s why this is a problem:
ARP broadcasts are sent as Ethernet frames that traverse the entire network segment, causing all devices on that segment to process the ARP request. This consumes bandwidth and processing resources on all devices, which can lead to congestion and delays in data communication.
In extreme cases, if there are too many ARP requests being broadcast simultaneously, the network segment can become overloaded, causing packets to be dropped or delayed significantly. This can degrade the overall network performance and user experience.
Problem c): Network attackers could manipulate MAC address and IP address mappings in ARP messages with the intent of intercepting network traffic:
ARP spoofing, also known as ARP poisoning or MAC address spoofing, is a malicious activity where an attacker manipulates ARP messages to associate their MAC address with the IP address of another legitimate device on the network. This can lead to several security risks, including the interception of network traffic intended for the target device.
- Here’s why this is a problem:
Man-in-the-Middle Attacks: By spoofing ARP messages, attackers can position themselves as a “man-in-the-middle” between two legitimate devices. This allows them to intercept, modify, or eavesdrop on network traffic passing between the two devices without their knowledge.
Data Theft: If an attacker successfully associates their MAC address with a critical network device, such as a router or a server, they can intercept sensitive data, such as login credentials, financial information, or confidential documents.
Denial of Service: ARP spoofing can also lead to denial of service (DoS) attacks. By disrupting the ARP table entries of legitimate devices, attackers can cause network communication failures, effectively rendering a device or segment inaccessible.
Now, let’s explain why the other options are not correct:
a) Manually configuring static ARP associations could facilitate ARP poisoning or MAC address spoofing:
This statement is partially correct. Manually configuring static ARP associations can indeed introduce security risks if not properly managed. However, the act of configuring static ARP entries itself is not a network problem.
Instead, the problem arises from potential misconfigurations or security vulnerabilities that can be exploited by attackers. Properly managed static ARP entries can enhance network security by preventing ARP spoofing attacks.
d) Large numbers of ARP request broadcasts could cause the host MAC address table to overflow and prevent the host from communicating on the network:
This statement is not entirely accurate. ARP request broadcasts do not fill the host MAC address table. Instead, they populate the ARP cache on devices with the necessary IP-to-MAC mappings.
Host MAC address tables are typically used in Ethernet switches to determine how to forward frames to specific devices within a local network. While a large number of ARP requests can impact network performance, they do not directly cause MAC address table overflows on host devices.
e) Multiple ARP replies result in the switch MAC address table containing entries that match the MAC addresses of hosts that are connected to the relevant switch port:
This statement is incorrect. ARP replies do not affect the MAC address table in Ethernet switches. ARP replies are used to provide the requesting device with the MAC address corresponding to an IP address, but they do not influence the switch’s MAC address table, which is responsible for forwarding Ethernet frames based on MAC addresses within the local network segment.
In conclusion, ARP operation can indeed introduce network problems, as highlighted in options b and c. These issues relate to network performance and security risks associated with ARP broadcasts and ARP spoofing, respectively.
The other options are either not directly related to ARP operation or contain inaccuracies regarding how ARP and MAC address tables function in network environments.
Proper network management and security practices are essential to mitigate these potential problems and ensure the reliable and secure operation of a network.
MBA,BBA.
I am Smirti Bam, an enthusiastic edu blogger with a passion for sharing insights into the dynamic world of business and management through this website.
I hold a MBA degree from Presidential Business School, Kathmandu, and a BBA degree with a specialization in Finance from Apex College,