Difference between MAC Address and IP Address
The key difference between MAC and IP addresses is that MAC and IP addresses play an important role in networking because they uniquely identify devices and connections. Network administrators can control traffic by properly configuring these addresses and ensuring data is delivered to the correct destination.
The MAC address is a unique identifier assigned to each computer on a network. It ensures that the computer’s physical address can be used to communicate with other devices on the network.
IP addresses are used to identify devices that are connected to a network.
IP Address
An IP address is a unique serial number assigned to each device on the Internet. It is a physical address used by computers, phones, and other devices to communicate with one another. Each device uses an IP address when it connects to a network (such as the Internet).
IP addresses are also known as domain name resolution numbers (DNS). When you type www.google.com into your browser, your computer contacts the DNS server to look up Google’s IP address.
MAC Address
MAC address is a unique 48-bit numeric identifier assigned by the IEEE for each local interface on a computer. It is used by the networking layer to identify the device on the network. The MAC address is the code used to identify a particular computer or device on a network.
A MAC address is a unique identifier used to identify a network adapter. It consists of a series of hexadecimal numbers separated by colons.
MAC Address vs IP Address
The main differences between MAC address vs IP address are given below:
MAC Address | IP Address |
The word MAC is an acronym for Media Access Control. | The word IP acronym for Internet Protocol. |
MAC address is a hexadecimal address of six bytes. | IP address is either an eight-byte or a six-byte one. |
MAC addresses are primarily used on the data link layer. | MAC addresses are primarily used on the network layer. |
The word IP is an acronym for Internet Protocol. | The IP address is a numerical label assigned to each device connected to a computer network that uses the Internet Protocol for communication. |
Can two devices have the same MAC address?
No, MAC addresses are unique to each device. However, in rare cases, duplication can occur due to manufacturing errors.
Can an IP address change?
Yes, an IP address can change. For example, an ISP temporarily assigns dynamic IP addresses, which may change when you reconnect to the network.
Can I change my IP address or MAC address?
You can change your IP address by restarting your router or using a VPN. While MAC addresses are hard-coded into devices, they can sometimes be temporarily changed using software.
Which address is more critical for Internet communication?
The IP address is essential for internet communication as it directs network data packets. The MAC address is more critical within local networks.
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