Which protocol is useful for network assessment and enables services like ping?

Which protocol is useful for network assessment and enables services like ping?

• A. Address resolution protocol (ARP)
• B. Internet protocol (IP)
• C. Internet control message protocol (ICMP)
• D. Hypertext transfer protocol (HTTP)

Answer: (C)

The Internet Control Message Protocol (ICMP) is a vital network layer protocol used for diagnostic and control purposes within the Internet Protocol Suite. One of its primary functions is to facilitate the sending of control messages, which include error messages and operational information, across networks. A key feature of ICMP is its use in utilities like 'ping,' which tests the reachability of network devices. When a ping command is issued, it sends ICMP echo request packets to the target device, and if that device is reachable, it replies with ICMP echo reply packets. This allows network administrators and technicians to determine whether a device is online and how quickly packets travel to and from the device. In contrast, Address Resolution Protocol (ARP) is focused on mapping Internet Protocol addresses to physical machine addresses in a local area network, while the Internet Protocol (IP) is responsible for addressing and routing packets across networks. Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP) is used for transmitting hypertext via the World Wide Web but does not facilitate network assessment tasks like pinging. Thus, ICMP is the protocol specifically designed for network assessment functions, particularly those that involve checking connectivity with devices on a network.

The Internet Control Message Protocol (ICMP) is a vital network layer protocol used for diagnostic and control purposes within the Internet Protocol Suite. One of its primary functions is to facilitate the sending of control messages, which include error messages and operational information, across networks.

A key feature of ICMP is its use in utilities like 'ping,' which tests the reachability of network devices. When a ping command is issued, it sends ICMP echo request packets to the target device, and if that device is reachable, it replies with ICMP echo reply packets. This allows network administrators and technicians to determine whether a device is online and how quickly packets travel to and from the device.

In contrast, Address Resolution Protocol (ARP) is focused on mapping Internet Protocol addresses to physical machine addresses in a local area network, while the Internet Protocol (IP) is responsible for addressing and routing packets across networks. Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP) is used for transmitting hypertext via the World Wide Web but does not facilitate network assessment tasks like pinging.

Thus, ICMP is the protocol specifically designed for network assessment functions, particularly those that involve checking connectivity with devices on a network.