What Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol network layer protocol matches a known IP address with a Media Access Control address?

The Address Resolution Protocol (ARP) is indeed the correct choice for matching a known IP address with a Media Access Control (MAC) address. ARP operates at the network layer and is essential for the operation of IP networks. When a device wants to communicate with another device on the same local network, it needs to know the MAC address corresponding to the IP address of the destination. ARP sends a broadcast request to all devices on the local network to inquire which device owns the specified IP address. The device with that IP address responds with its MAC address, allowing the initiating device to construct the appropriate data link layer frame for communication.

In contrast, other options like the Internet Protocol (IP) primarily handle packet addressing and routing but do not perform address resolution. The Reverse Address Resolution Protocol (RARP) is used to map a known MAC address to an IP address, but it does not perform the function described in the question. Similarly, the Internet Control Message Protocol (ICMP) is used for network diagnostics and error messaging rather than address resolution tasks. Thus, ARP is specifically tailored for the function of linking IP addresses to MAC addresses on a local network, making it the correct answer.