What function does the arp -a command provide?

The arp -a command is utilized to display the Address Resolution Protocol (ARP) cache, which contains the mappings of IP addresses to MAC addresses on a local network. When this command is executed, it retrieves a list of the IP addresses currently associated with corresponding MAC addresses, providing valuable information about network devices and their connectivity.

Understanding this function is crucial for network troubleshooting and management, as it allows users to quickly identify which devices are on the network and their respective addresses. Analyzing the ARP cache can help diagnose issues such as communication problems between devices or ensure that there are no address conflicts.

The other choices do not accurately describe the function of the arp -a command. For instance, displaying the routing table pertains to the command 'route print' or 'netstat -r', showing the network routes available to the system. Mapping of network drives is unrelated to ARP and generally handled by commands like 'net use'. Verifying internet connectivity is typically done with commands such as 'ping' or 'tracert', which check live connections rather than address mappings.