ARP between PC and Network device ?

[m1227]

Hi all,

Is there anyone can tell me the whole story between PCs and Network devices on ARP working flow ?

Here is a simple network linked with:

XP workstation <-> BayStack 450 <-> Passport 1200 <-> Windows 2000 server

(Assumed that the is frist time communication)

I knew that, when XP workstation wanted to commincate with Windows 2000 server.
XP workstation send an ARP request message (boardcast) than 2000 server send back an ARP reply.
After that, they are using TCP for commincation.

But as I find, ARP table also contain at Passport 1200 and BayStack 450.
So, what are the relateionship between them ?

Thank you !

 

[jimbopalmer]

The 1200 is very likely the default router for all the devices, as such they find it at bootup. it also has an ARP table, so it may respond to broadcasts. The 450 should only really 'chat' with your PC if you start a management session with it. It does not normally track IP addresses per port, just MAC addresses

I tried to remain child-like, all I acheived was childish.