ARP

Linux ARP states

state	meaning	transitions
permanent	never undergoes verification or expiry	none (manually configured)
noarp	normal expiration, never verified	use resets use counter
reachable	normal expiration	use resets timer
stale	still usable, needs verification	use resets timer and returns to reachable timer changes state to delay
delay	schedule ARP request, needs verification	use resets timer and returns to reachable timer changes state to probe, issuing ARP request
probe	need ARP reply for verification	use resets timer and returns to reachable timer reissues ARP requests or moves to failed
incomplete (new entry)	need ARP reply for first use	use resets timer and returns to reachable timer reissues ARP requests or moves to failed
failed	no response received	timer governs reissuing of ARP requests use resets timer and moves to reachable

See Also

• "The ARP State Machine" James Westall's CpSc 853 "Protocol Implementation" class notes
• "2.1 Address Resolution Protocol (ARP)" Martin Brown's "Guide to IP Layer Network Administration with Linux"