What is the Ethernet Type code for an ARP packet?

The Ethernet Type code for an ARP packet is 0x0806. This value is used in the Ethernet frame to indicate that the payload is an Address Resolution Protocol message. When a device receives an Ethernet frame, it checks the Type field to determine how to process the encapsulated data. In this case, 0x0806 signals the protocol is ARP, which is used for mapping network addresses (such as IP addresses) to MAC addresses on a local area network.

The other codes, such as 0x0800, signify different protocols; for example, 0x0800 indicates that the payload consists of an Internet Protocol (IP) packet. The other options, 0x0801 and 0x0802, do not correspond to standard Ethernet protocols and are generally reserved for experimental or proprietary use. Thus, knowing the specific code for ARP is crucial in networking for proper data encapsulation and communication within a local area network.