ARP Table Aging Time vs MAC ADD Table Aging Time

[Iluvnetwork]

Ten PCs (1 to 10) are connected to the switch.

1. PC1's ARP Aging Time < SW's MAC ADD Aging Time
-> PC1 sends a ARP request and SW floods that packet.
2. PC1's ARP Aging Time > SW's MAC ADD Aging Time
-> PC1 sends a unicast packet. Since SW doesn't know which port to forward that packet, it (unicast) floods that packet.

Am I right? If I am right, is it a big deal whether ARP Aging Time is greater or less than MAC ADD Aging Time?

[mlund · Accepted solution]

Hi

That depends of how the network is build. If there is asymmetric routing, then there can be an issue, otherwise, it will not be an issue. See description on the problem in this link.

https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/support/docs/switches/catalyst-6000-series-switches/23563-143.html

/Mikael

[Iluvnetwork]

Thanks :) Helped a lot.