ARP related query!!!

[Pavinder Singh]

I have a query regarding how arp works and how it makes decision if it gets arp replies from 2 different routers (Proxy ARP).

for example i have a host (with no default gateway set) connected to a pure L2 switch which is connected to 2 different routers connecting to the internet. Now if i try to access 8.8.8.8 it sends an arp request as broadcast out the ethernet and recieves two proxy arp replies from both routers... Now can anyone explain which arp reply it is going to use and why?????

[Harold Ritter · Accepted solution]

Hi Pavinder,

The last ARP reply received will be used.

Regards

[Pavinder Singh]

Thanks Harold,

Could you also tell is setting default gateway on the host make any difference to the ARP process??

[Harold Ritter · Accepted solution]

Pavinder,

If you have a default gateway on the host then the ARP request will be for the specific gateway, so you will not have a race condition as it was the case for proxy ARP.

Regards

[Pavinder Singh]

Thanks Harold..