MAC addresses and IP addresses are fundamental in the realm of networking. Both types of addresses play crucial roles in identifying devices on a network, but they serve distinct purposes and operate at different layers of the networking model.
What is a MAC Address?
A MAC Address, or Media Access Control address, is a unique identifier assigned to network interfaces for communications at the data link layer of a network segment. MAC addresses are used as a network address for most IEEE 802 network technologies, including Ethernet and Wi-Fi. It is hard-coded into a network card and can seldom be changed.
Examples of MAC Addresses:
- Ethernet Card: 00-14-22-01-23-45
- Wi-Fi Adapter: 98-01-A7-B3-02-1F
What is an IP Address?
An IP Address (Internet Protocol Address) is an address used in network and interface identification and location addressing. IP addresses are assigned to a device's network interface by the network and can change depending on the network configuration. They are essential for internet navigation and data exchange.
Examples of IP Addresses:
- IPv4: 192.168.1.1
- IPv6: 3ffe:1900:4545:3:200:f8ff:fe21:67cf
Difference Between MAC Address and IP Address:
| Basis | MAC Address | IP Address |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | A unique identifier assigned to network interfaces used for network communication at the data link layer. | An address used to identify devices on a network, allowing them to communicate over the Internet. |
| Layer | Data link layer (Layer 2 of the OSI model) | Network layer (Layer 3 of the OSI model) |
| Assignation | Permanently embedded in the device by the manufacturer and usually unchangeable. | Dynamically assigned by the network or can be statically set by an administrator. |
| Purpose | To uniquely identify a device on a local network segment. | To locate a network device or interface within the entire network. |
| Format | 6-byte hexadecimal number (e.g., 00:1A:2B:3C:4D:5E). | Numeric, formatted as dot-decimal (IPv4) or hexadecimal (IPv6). |
| Mutability | Static, rarely changes unless firmware is modified. | Can be static or dynamic; changes with network or device settings. |
| Visibility | Local network only. | Globally unique and used across the internet. |
| Examples | Network card in a personal computer. | A device's network interface connected to the Internet. |