ARP-less

What this IPv6 networking protocol question tests

This is a hard question about how IPv6 simplifies network stack design by removing a layer of complexity that IPv4 requires. It probes whether you understand the architectural differences between the two protocol families and can articulate how IPv6 consolidates address resolution into its core neighbour discovery mechanism.

To answer well, you need to know not just that IPv6 eliminated ARP, but why — that is, which specific IPv6 protocol feature subsumes the functionality that ARP handled separately in IPv4. The question rewards understanding of the design philosophy behind neighbour discovery and link-layer address mapping in modern networks.

• IPv4 ARP vs. IPv6 neighbour discovery
• ICMPv6 and its role in address resolution
• Multicast addressing and solicitation mechanics
• Link-layer abstraction in protocol design