What term describes the kernel object responsible for managing ARP information?

The term that describes the kernel object responsible for managing ARP (Address Resolution Protocol) information is "arp_cache." This component is essential in networking as it stores the mappings between IP addresses and their corresponding MAC (Media Access Control) addresses. When a device wants to communicate with another over a local network, it can quickly reference this cache to find the necessary MAC address without having to repeatedly send ARP requests. This efficient handling of ARP information helps improve network performance by reducing unnecessary traffic and latency.

The arp_cache serves not just as a short-term storage mechanism but as a critical part of the networking stack, ensuring that devices can resolve IP addresses to MAC addresses rapidly and efficiently. By maintaining a record of these mappings, it minimizes the need for ARP broadcasts, which might otherwise congest the network. This functionality is fundamental in environments where devices frequently communicate with one another, as it allows for quick and efficient address resolution.

While terms like arp_control, arp_manager, and arp_registry may sound plausible, they do not accurately represent the specific kernel object dedicated to managing ARP information. Each of these terms could suggest different functionalities or components that do not align with how the ARP caching mechanism operates within the networking stack. Therefore, the accuracy of using "