Correct Answer: C
Ping is a diagnostic utility used to test reachability between devices. It sends ICMP Echo Request packets and waits for ICMP Echo Replies. ICMP (Internet Control Message Protocol) is used for these types of control messages and is encapsulated within IP.
MTCNA Course Material - Diagnostic Tools:
"Ping uses ICMP Echo Requests to verify if a destination is reachable. It does not use TCP or UDP." Rene Meneses MTCNA Study Guide - Ping and ICMP:
"Ping uses ICMP, not TCP or ARP. ICMP packets are used to check basic connectivity." MikroTik Wiki - Ping Tool Description:
"Ping works by sending ICMP packets. It cannot use TCP."
Other options:
* TCP: Used by protocols like HTTP, FTP
* ARP: Resolves IP to MAC, not used for ping
* BootP: DHCP-related protocol, not diagnostic