ARP (Address Resolution Protocol) operates between Layer 2 (Data Link Layer) and Layer 3 (Network Layer) of the OSI model.
Here's a breakdown:
- Layer 2 (Data Link Layer): This layer is responsible for physical addressing, using MAC addresses to identify devices on a local network.
- Layer 3 (Network Layer): This layer handles logical addressing, using IP addresses to route packets between different networks.
ARP bridges the gap between these two layers by resolving IP addresses to corresponding MAC addresses, enabling communication within a local network. According to the provided reference, the MAC address exists on Layer 2, and the IP address exists on Layer 3.