The ARP Cache can be described as a table which is used to store various mappings between the Data Link Layer and the Network Layer of communication. It is stored within the RAM (Random Access Memory) of the computer. Within the two layers, the Datalink Layer is made up of different MAC addresses, whereas the Network Layer is made up mostly of IP addresses.

Occasionally, you’ll need to clear the ARP cache. This is due to the fact that the ARP cache may sometimes become corrupted. When this happens, the main way to fix it is to simply clear it out. One of the ways to tell that your ARP cache needs cleared is that you’ll notice random web pages timing out without loading. If you notice this happening with a large number of sites, then odds are that all of their servers are fine and that you just need to clear the ARP cache of your computer.

To further test and see if you need to clear out your ARP cache, try pinging your own computer via the loopback address (127.0.0.1). If that works, then try pinging any external IP. If your ARP cache is in need of a good clear out, you’ll notice that you are able to ping your own IP, but not other IPs. However, if you were incapable of pinging your own IP, then the problem lies elsewhere.

In order to view your ARP cache, you can do so at any time by enterting in “arp -a” into the command prompt or terminal (minus the quotation marks). This will display the ARP cache information for each individual IP address after executing the command.

How to clear the ARP Cache

All you have to do is use the “netsh” command to clear out the ARP cache. An example of the command can be located below:

netsh interface ip delete arpcache

After you run the command, the ARP cache should then be cleared. If the operation carried out successfully, then it will tell you so, most likely with a simple “Ok”, but if it doesn’t clear correctly, it will tell you that it didn’t and most likely point out the afflicting problem(s).

If it does fail, you may try disabling Routing and Remote Services, which by default is set to run automatically. This process is not a mandatory system process, and most likely will not affect how your network operates. If it does, you can always just turn it back on to fix any problems it may cause.

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