ARP cache

An ARP cache^[1] is a collection of Address Resolution Protocol entries (mostly dynamic), that are created when an IP address is resolved to a MAC address (so the computer can effectively communicate with the IP address).^[2] The term can be used interchangeably with ARP table,^{[citation needed]} although the latter is sometimes a distinct statically configured table.^[3][4]

An ARP cache has the disadvantage of potentially being used by hackers and cyberattackers (an ARP cache poisoning attack). An ARP cache helps the attackers hide behind a fake IP address.^[1] Beyond the fact that ARP caches may help attackers, it may also prevent the attacks by "distinguish[ing] between low level IP and IP based vulnerabilities".^[5]