On a Windows PC, which command will display the current IP-to-MAC address mappings (the ARP cache) for all interfaces?

Introduction / Context:
This question checks your knowledge of how to inspect Address Resolution Protocol cache information on a Windows host. ARP is used on IPv4 networks to map IP addresses to MAC addresses on the local link. When troubleshooting local connectivity or suspected ARP issues, viewing the ARP table is a common diagnostic step.

Given Data / Assumptions:
- The operating system is Windows.
- You want to see which IP addresses are currently mapped to which MAC addresses on the local segments.
- The question asks for the command that displays IP-to-MAC mappings for all interfaces, not just one specific entry.

Concept / Approach:
On Windows, the arp command allows you to view and manipulate the ARP cache. Using arp -a lists the ARP entries for all interfaces, showing Internet addresses, physical addresses, and the type (dynamic or static). Other tools such as ping, tracert, and netstat serve different purposes, such as testing reachability or viewing routing tables, and do not directly show the ARP cache.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that ARP is responsible for mapping IP addresses to MAC addresses.Step 2: On Windows, remember that arp without parameters will show usage information, while arp -a displays the complete ARP table.Step 3: Note that arp -a output lists each interface and the corresponding Internet addresses and physical addresses stored in the cache.Step 4: Recognize that the ping command does not display mappings, but can generate ARP entries by causing communication with hosts.Step 5: Choose arp -a as the correct answer.

Verification / Alternative check:
On a Windows system, you can run arp -a after pinging some local devices. The output will show their IP addresses and MAC addresses, confirming that you are looking at the ARP cache. If you clear the cache and repeat the process, you can see entries appear again after communication, reinforcing your understanding of ARP behavior.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
The ping command sends ICMP echo requests and shows replies but does not list ARP entries directly. The traceroute and tracert commands show paths through the network, not link layer mappings. Netstat -r displays the routing table, including default gateways and network destinations, but not the IP-to-MAC address mappings maintained by ARP.

Common Pitfalls:
Some learners mistakenly assume that ping or tracert will show everything they need about connectivity, including ARP data. Others confuse ARP caching with routing table entries. Remember that ARP is a link layer companion to IP on local segments, and the arp -a command is the go to tool for inspecting its state on Windows.

Final Answer:
The command arp -a displays the IP-to-MAC address mappings (ARP cache) on a Windows PC.