No, ARP is not TCP.
ARP (Address Resolution Protocol) and TCP (Transmission Control Protocol) are distinct protocols that function at different layers of the network stack.
- TCP is a connection-oriented protocol used for reliable data transfer at the Transport Layer.
- ARP, on the other hand, operates at the Data Link Layer and is used to resolve IP addresses to MAC addresses.
According to the provided reference, "The ARP protocol is just one component of a TCP/IP or UDP/IP stack". This statement emphasizes that ARP is a component within the broader TCP/IP suite, but it is not TCP itself. ARP helps in the communication process by finding the hardware address associated with an IP address, enabling data to be correctly sent on a local network.
In summary:
| Feature | TCP | ARP |
|---|---|---|
| Layer | Transport Layer | Data Link Layer |
| Function | Reliable data transfer | IP to MAC address resolution |
| Connection Type | Connection-oriented | Connectionless |
