Windows arp -a equivalent in Linux
Displays recently discovered IP-to-MAC address mappings for devices on local networks.
arp -a
ip neigh show
ip neigh show
ip neigh show
Overview
What this command does
On Windows, "arp -a" is used to show the neighbor table. On Linux, the closest practical mapping shown here is "ip neigh show". Displays recently discovered IP-to-MAC address mappings for devices on local networks. This reference is grouped under Networking.
Windows → Linux context
What changes when you use this on Linux?
Equivalent task, different tool
Windows arp -a maps to ip neigh show for this task. Treat this as a workflow mapping rather than a character-for-character syntax translation.
Portable across the compared distros
The Debian/Ubuntu, Fedora and Arch rows use the same command in this mapping. Package availability or defaults can still vary, so check the installed tool version when an option behaves differently.
Command-specific caution
Flushing the neighbor table can briefly interrupt local connectivity while entries are relearned.
For the broader concept behind this mapping, read Linux networking for Windows users.
Practical tasks
Common use cases
Show the neighbor table
Displays recently discovered IP-to-MAC address mappings for devices on local networks.
ip neigh show
Show all neighbor entries
ip neigh show dev enp5s0
Show neighbors on one interface
sudo ip neigh flush all
Clear the neighbor cache
Ready to run
Copyable Linux commands
Review paths, device names, package names and permissions before running any command.
ip neigh show
ip neigh show dev enp5s0
sudo ip neigh flush all
Walkthrough
Examples with explanations
ip neigh show # display the neighbor table
ip neigh show dev enp5s0 # filter by interface
sudo ip neigh flush all # clear cached neighbor entriesReference
Common options and variations
| Command or option | Use |
|---|---|
ip neigh show | Show all neighbor entries |
ip neigh show dev enp5s0 | Show neighbors on one interface |
sudo ip neigh flush all | Clear the neighbor cache |
Distro differences
Debian/Ubuntu vs Fedora vs Arch
Debian/Ubuntu, Fedora and Arch all use "ip neigh show" for this mapping. The command syntax shown here is portable across the three rows, although installed versions and system defaults can still vary.
| Distribution | Package manager / base | Equivalent command | Difference to notice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Debian/Ubuntu | same command | ip neigh show |
Same command on this distribution. |
| Fedora | same command | ip neigh show |
Same command on this distribution. |
| Arch | same command | ip neigh show |
Same command on this distribution. |
Important
What to watch out for
Keep learning