What is the function of the Address Resolution Protocol (ARP)?

The Address Resolution Protocol (ARP) serves a crucial function in computer networking by translating IP addresses into MAC (Media Access Control) addresses. This process is essential for enabling communication between devices on a local area network (LAN) or other IP-based networks.

When a device wants to send data to another device on the same network using its IP address, it needs to find the corresponding MAC address of that device. ARP operates by sending out a broadcast packet that asks, "Who has this IP address?" The device that owns the specified IP address then responds with its MAC address. This allows the sending device to frame its data packets and successfully transmit them at the data link layer, where MAC addresses are used to identify devices on the Ethernet or wireless networks.

The other options do not accurately represent the primary function of ARP. While securing network connections involves different protocols and methods, and dynamic IP address assignment is managed by protocols such as DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol), managing routing tables is primarily the responsibility of routing protocols. Each of these options addresses different aspects of networking but does not pertain to the specific role ARP plays in mapping IP addresses to MAC addresses.