Final answer:
The ICMP echo request and reply, which tests device reachability on a network, is used by the tool called ping. Options like traceroute, ARP, and DHCP serve other networking functions, such as path discovery, IP to MAC address translation, and IP address assignment.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Internet Control Message Protocol (ICMP) echo request and reply, used to test whether a device on the network is reachable, is utilized by the tool known as ping. When you run a ping command, it sends an ICMP echo request message to the target host and waits for an ICMP echo reply. This process allows you to determine if the target device is active and responding on the network, which is essential for troubleshooting connectivity issues.
The other options listed, such as traceroute, ARP (Address Resolution Protocol), and DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol), serve different purposes. Traceroute is used to discover the path taken by packets to reach a network host, ARP translates IP addresses to physical MAC addresses on a local network, and DHCP is used to automatically assign IP addresses to devices on a network.